For the City Times

WOOD COUNTY – Wood County will host a “Clean Sweep” on Aug. 29, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, 2611 Yellowstone Drive, Marshfield.

“This year, with so many people spending more time at home, cleaning out homes and outbuildings have been on the increase. Some of the unused chemicals that have been found are considered hazardous waste and are best disposed of during the annual Wood County Clean Sweep event. Although many of these items are used around the house or farm, many contain ingredients that could harm people, animals, lakes, rivers, and drinking water if they aren’t disposed of properly,” a Wood County Extension Release said.

“Examples of acceptable materials include fungicides, herbicides, insecticides rodenticides, drain cleaner, floor polish, metal cleaners, mildew cleaner, photography chemicals, pool chemicals, spot remover, guncleaning fluid, hobby materials, lacquer, lead-based paints, solvents, stripper, thinner, turpentine, varnish, wood preservatives, NiCad batteries, and automotive fluids such as brake fluid, degreasers, old fuel, transmission fluid.”

Items not accepted include antifreeze, latex paint, motor oil, automotive batteries, electronics, explosives, fluorescent tubes, appliances, high pressure cylinders, and tires.

“Additional safety precautions will be in place at this year’s Clean Sweep. In addition to OHSA required PPE, Veolia’s hazardous materials handling team will be wearing N95 face masks. Residents should load all materials in their vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or trailer. Materials will not be unloaded from vehicle back seat or internal areas. While at Clean Sweep, all participants must remain in their vehicles at all times. Participants are encouraged to wear masks while dropping off materials,” the release explained.

All Wood County residents may participate in Clean Sweep. Each household may bring up to five gallons of liquid or 50 pounds of solid waste, and farms may bring up to 200 pounds. If you have more than these amounts, contact Chris Bahlow, Veolia’s Clean Sweep manager prior to Aug. 20 to make special arrangements. Chris can be reached at chris.bahlow@veolia.com or 715-288-2623.

Additional information can be found at wood.extension.wisc.edu or by calling the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8911 or Wood County Extension at 715-421-8440.