Join the River Authority for Spring 2024 Household Hazardous Waste events

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Two workers sort through old paint cans during hazardous household waste collection event

Last Updated on November 7, 2024

Are old medicine bottles, paint cans, and cleaning products taking up space in your cabinets?

We’ve got the solution! The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority), in collaboration with local partners, holds six Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events each year downstream in Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, household hazardous waste is defined as products containing chemicals that can pose safety risks if not managed correctly. The River Authority is encouraging county residents to visit and drop off unwanted household hazardous waste, electronics, tires, and unused pharmaceuticals. These collection events are essential to the community because they 1) offer residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused HHW and 2) help protect local creeks and the San Antonio River from harmful pollutants.

A man disposes of prescription medicine into bin.

Many folks still believe that the proper way to dispose of expired and unused medications is to flush them down the toilet—but you knew better! With your help at our Spring and Fall Events in 2023, the River Authority and our partners collected approximately over 900 pounds of pharmaceuticals alone! Thanks to you, these products will stay out of wastewater treatment plants and our local creeks and rivers. Let’s beat that record in 2024!

A man stands under a tent behind a table.

Planning to attend one of our Spring 2024 HHW events? Here is what you need to know:

  • Acceptable materials include HHW, such as paint, pesticide, fertilizer, pool cleaning chemicals, used motor oil and filters, paint thinner, and general household cleaners. Also accepted are tires without rims, computers, small electronics, and pharmaceuticals. A complete list of acceptable items is available here.
  • Residents can attend these events for free, and assistance is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Spring 2024 HHW Collection Schedule

Goliad County Collection Event - April 13, 2024 9am - Noon at Goliad Memorial Auditorium Parking Lot

Wilson County Collection Event May 4, 2024 8AM - Noon. Wilson County Expo Center

Karnes County Collection Event May 18, 2024. 8 AM - Noon at Karnes County Youth Show Barn

We are looking forward to this spring’s events in Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties! Visit the HHW Collection Service for more information and a list of acceptable items.

Should you have any questions about our upcoming HHW collections, don’t hesitate to contact our Government Affairs Specialist at 210-227-1373.

What else is happening in the Southern Basin this spring? Check out some upcoming events below!

What would worms do?

Nature Days Geology and Orienteering

Discovery Hunt Spring 2024 | April 19-28

Ethnobotany of Native Plants at Escondido Creek Parkway

Kick off to Summer Bike Rodeo event!

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Alerts

Park Closure: Safety Notice

Safety Notice: The Lower River Access areas at Helton Nature Park and Graytown Park have been closed due to rising waters and potential flood risk.

Stay Weather‑Aware

Rain is in the forecast for our are starting Tuesday, June 2 until later this week. Heavy rains in short time spans may result in high water on roads and temporary closures at low water crossings.

Before heading out, residents are encouraged to check SARiverFlood.org or their local county flood website for real‑time roadway conditions:

These sites provide up‑to‑date information from flood‑monitoring sensors across the region. Real‑time updates are available 24/7 to help you stay informed as conditions change.

Please use caution when traveling and plan routes accordingly.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The east bank trail along San Pedro Creek will be temporarily closed between the upper trail at Cameron St. and the lower trail at two access points.

Closure details:

  • The first closure will impact the connector from the upper trail near West Houston St. to the south lower San Pedro Creek trail.
  • Once work at this location is complete and the trail reopens, construction will shift to the second closure area between the upper and lower trails on the opposite side of the green space.

Please follow posted signage and plan alternate routes. We appreciate your patience as this work is completed.

Closed areas around San Pedro Creek Culture Park

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.

  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

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