It’s that time of year again! The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) is gearing up to host the fall Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events in Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. These events are free and open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. As part of our commitment to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers, the River Authority sponsors these collection events to improve the health of the basin by protecting area creeks and rivers from household hazardous waste and illegal dumping.
Read along as we share details on these upcoming events and how you can help by bringing your household hazardous items to dispose of them safely!
How Do These Events Help Our Community?
Household hazardous waste includes everyday materials such as paint, used motor oil & filters, cleaning products, pesticides, fertilizers, computers, small electronics, tires, and pharmaceuticals. These materials are often improperly disposed of because people are unsure of appropriate ways to deal with this type of material, and they may not understand the hazards this kind of material can pose to the environment. For example, household hazardous waste is not acceptable to place with other trash for curbside pickup and it is inappropriate to flush pharmaceuticals down your toilet. At times, people choose to illegally dump this type of material along roadsides and into area creeks and rivers.
The River Authority hosts these semi-annual household hazardous waste collection events in the spring and fall with the hope that they will lead to a reduction in waste that enters area creeks and rivers and bring awareness to communities about the negative effects of improperly disposing of waste. These collection events are important to the community because they provide safe and convenient opportunities for residents in Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties to responsibly dispose of their household hazardous waste.
How Can I Help?
If you live in Wilson, Karnes, or Goliad County, you can do your part by safely gathering hazardous waste from your household and bringing it to one of the upcoming collection events. Show your River Pride by safely disposing of hazardous materials and protecting your community from illegal dumping.
No matter where you live in the San Antonio River Basin, you can also help by reporting illegal dumping activity. If you see hazardous material illegally dumped, please call your local law enforcement office. You may also report the illegal dumping to the River Authority’s environmental investigations team by calling toll-free at (865) 345-7272.
When is the Next Event?
Visit our events page for more info and to view a full list of acceptable items. This is where we will also post information on future collection events and activities throughout the River Authority’s service district.
September 18, 2021, 8:00 – 12:00 PM, Wilson County Show Barn, 435 State HWY 97 E, Floresville, TX
October 9, 2021, 9:00 – 12:00 PM, Goliad Memorial Auditorium, Auditorium Drive, Goliad, TX
November 6, 2021, 8:00 – 12:00 PM, Karnes County Youth Show Barn, 1480 CR 345, Kenedy, TX
