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Overview of HHW
Providing household hazardous waste collection to the citizens of Tennessee is an important and worthwhile cause. Proper disposal of HHW helps to protect the environment and sanitation workers and can reduce the toxicity of landfill leachate. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for citizens to rid their homes of potentially dangerous chemicals. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers there were almost 750,000 non-pharmaceutical accidental poisonings of children in 1998, twelve of which were fatal.

Tennessee's Mobile Collection Service is open to any Tennessee resident. The program is limited to households. Businesses, institutions, schools, and agri-business operations should contact a permitted hazardous waste transporter for proper disposal. Agri-businesses may, however, dispose of their pesticides through the Agricultural Pesticide Waste Collection Program.

Organizing and Hosting an Event
The Division of Solid Waste Management (SWM) has a policy guide for counties interested in planning an HHW Collection event. The policy guide describes the responsibilities of the State, the host county, and the State's HHW contractor. These responsibilities are based on Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies concerning the management of HHW. The criteria are set forth to maintain the integrity of the HHW Mobile Collection Service. In addition, a pre-event checklist is available to assist counties in fulfilling their responsibilities for an event.

The State pays the contractor a minimum set-up fee each time the HHW Collection Service is mobilized regardless of the participation at the event. In order to provide the most cost efficient service, the events should be well utilized. A collection event cannot be successful without advertisement. The Advertising and Public Education Guide for Household Hazardous Waste in Tennessee is available to help counties advertise effectively. Sample press releases and advertisments are available along with examples of success stories, similar to that of Giles county described below. In addition, a timeline for local coordinators is available to assist in planning and advertising the event.

The FY 06-07 HHW results are available for your review. If you have any questions please contact Paula Mitchell, HHW Coordinator, at (615) 532-9265.

Year Round Collection of HHW
Solid Waste Management encourages counties to educate its citizens year-round concerning the proper use and disposal of HHW. Counties should use all available means to communicate the characteristics of HHW, the consequences of improper disposal, and the basic concept of reducing, reusing, and recycling HHW whenever possible. Additionally, preference for mobile collection service will be given to counties that are providing year-round management of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronics (BOPAE).

By following certain guidelines, many HHW (i.e. propane tanks, computers and televisions, paint, batteries, used oil, antifreeze, and oil filters) can be safely collected by existing solid waste staff on a year-round basis. This higher level of service to local residents can reduce mobile collection costs, prevent landfilling of waste, and improve water quality. The Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste Management has established Household Paint Management Requirements and Household Paint Managment Guidance for counties involved in household paint collection and handling. For more year-round collection options for mercury thermostats, ewaste, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, propane cylinders, and more please see above helpful links on the right.

For more information about Tennessee's Household Hazardous
Waste Program, please contact Paula Mitchell by email or at
615-532-9265.