By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Barton County Landfill is the place for most trash but not all of it. Certain chemicals are harmful to the environment and workers and must be handled accordingly. Solid Waste Director Jennifer Hamby said the Household Hazardous Waste program allows residents from three counties to safely dispose of some of those chemicals.
"We offer a way for residents of Barton, Pawnee, and Ellsworth counties to dispose of used chemicals, household chemicals, paints, garden chemicals, and things like that free of charge," she said. "Our scheduled collections are every third Saturday of the month from eight to noon, and that runs April through October."
Those unable to participate in the scheduled collections can take their chemicals to the landfill at any time though Hamby asks they call and schedule an appointment to ensure staff is available. The program doubles as a way for other residents to re-use some of the chemicals.
"We do have the re-use part of that program, so we have household cleaners, paints, stuff like that," Hamby said. "If it's still in its original container and in good condition, the residents can come out and get that stuff for free."
Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Call the landfill at (620) 793-1898 for more information.