WCOM NEWS

9-15-04

Miramar, Broward agree on once-a-year pickup of hazardous waste

MIRAMAR--Miramar and Broward County have agreed to continue a joint participation agreement for a once-a-year household hazardous waste collection event.

The Miramar collection has been scheduled for Jan. 16 at Silver Shores Park, at the intersection of Pembroke Road and 162nd Avenue. This central location, west of University Drive, was chosen to facilitate the disposal of materials not normally collected through the city's solid waste services, including bulk pickup.

"We want it to be convenient for our citizens to dispose of hazardous waste," said Brij Garg, the city's director of Public Works and Utilities.

Residents will be able to drive up and stay in their vehicles as workers unload items from the trunk of their car or SUV, or the back of a pickup.

Accepted materials include leftover house paint, fuels, pesticides, cleansers, pool chemicals, motor oil and automotive batteries.

"We've had a good response in the past, and in 2005 we expect an even better turnout," Garg said. "On Jan. 19, 2003, we had a couple hundred people turn out. On Jan. 18, 2004, we had 418 people come through."

Surveys found that 84 percent of the people who participated in the event, he said, were from within a 5-mile radius of the collection site.

"So it seems people really take advantage of the program," he added.

The mobile program was designed for residents who live farthest from the two permanent collection sites: at 5601 Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hollywood; and 2718 N. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach.

It is set up as a cooperative effort between Broward and those cities that are interested in having the event within their limits. Those who wish to participate must present proof of Broward residency.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Marcia Freidenreich) 9-15-04