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EPA Opens Drop-Off Site for Hazardous Waste, White Goods and Electronic Equipment from Joplin Tornado; Curbside Pickup Also an Option

Release Date: 06/07/2011
Contact Information: David Bryan, 816-519-0697, bryan.david@epa.gov; Chris Whitley, 816-518-2794, whitley.christopher@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., June 7, 2011) - As the process of debris removal from the Joplin, Mo., tornado continues, EPA has established a special drop-off site for household hazardous waste, white goods and electronic equipment. Those materials and items will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily at the city’s former Lone Elm Wastewater Treatment Plant, 2310 North Lone Elm Road, in Joplin.

Residents of tornado-affected areas are urged to keep the materials separated into those three categories – household hazardous wastes, white goods and electronics – for easy drop-off. Residents continue to have the option of separating their household hazardous wastes, white goods and electronics, and placing them curbside for pickup by EPA contractors.

EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) recently began tornado debris collections in Joplin. All construction debris and vegetative material, which will be removed by COE contractors, should be kept separate from household hazardous waste, white goods and electronic equipment.

Whether left at curbside or brought to the drop-off site, EPA will be collecting and accepting debris in the following categories:

• Household hazardous waste – common household items that contain hazardous ingredients
• White goods – refrigerant-containing appliances such as freezers, refrigerators and air conditioners; and other large appliances such as ranges, ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers
• Electronic equipment – computers, televisions, game consoles, music equipment and stereo equipment