SPRING CLEANING AND THE 4 r’S
Spring is a good time to clean the closets, organize the catch-all drawers, and tackle cleaning that garage or storage shed.
What do these chores have to do with the 4 Rs? The 4 Rs are a way to remind Earth Stewards to include these concepts of reducing unnecessary consumption, re-purposing items instead of tossing them, repairing to extend the life of products, and recycling items responsibly. These actions will reduce use of landfills, decrease energy needed to produce new items, lessen use of raw resources, and improve the health of the planet. As we clean up and sort out items, we need to know where to recycle them – from clothes to car grease, and from pesticides to refrigerators. Douglas County makes it easy for us to do a good job.
The hazardous waste facility is located at 2201 Kresge Rd, Lawrence. The phone number is 785-832-3036. You will need to make an appointment by phone or website listed at the end. The hours are Tuesday-Thursday 8 a.m. to I p.m. They are open select Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If not on time, you may be required to make another appointment. You are limited to 73 pounds of material for one visit. Items not accepted are containers with no lids, ammunition, items containing asbestos, computers, fireworks, medicines, or smoke alarms.
The facility also offers items for free that folks may use. Pickup of items also needs an appointment. The facility does not guarantee quality of items, items cannot be resold and must be recycled properly.
The second website also lists many items and tells where these items can be recycled, from pesticides to tires and electronic waste – even old freezers and refrigerators as well as items hazardous waste does not accept. It also gives directions of where to dispose of medical items. There is no excuse for not taking advantage of these resources. Some items may require a cost (especially electronic waste).
Earth Steward Action: Please plan on following the 4 R philosophy and do a good job protecting the planet.
Sources: https://lawrenceks.org/swm/hhw/ (appointment form) https://lawrenceks.org/sustainability/reduce-recycle/
