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WHEELING - Ohio County residents who have old cans of paint, stains and pool chemicals sitting in their basements have a place to take them this weekend.
The Ohio County Solid Waste Authority’s annual household hazardous waste recycling event happens this Saturday at The Highlands.
The event opens at 9 a.m. and continues through 3 p.m. at the County Recycling Center in the area between Cabela's and Hobby Lobby. Those attending are encouraged to follow signs at the traffic light and turn in between the Primanti Brothers and Quaker Steak restaurants. They should enter the collection event from behind Hobby Lobby.
The event is open to Ohio County residents only, who will need to provide proof of residency. A driver's license with Ohio County address is sufficient identification, as are water bills, tax bills or a signed rental lease.
Among the items being accepted are stains, oil-based paints, stains, pesticides, auto and household batteries, fuel, fluorescent light bulbs, used oil and pool chemicals.
"Once a year, we accept everything you really shouldn't be putting in your regular trash," explained Rebecca Friend, director of the Ohio County Solid Waste Authority. "It is quite expensive. That's why we save up all year for it."
This year, Clean Harbors of Valley Grove is the contractor selected to take away items collected and dispose of them properly, according to Friend.
She explained some things - such as the batteries - will be recovered with the intent of recycling them. Whatever can't be recycled will be incinerated.
The annual recycling event has taken place annually for more than 20 years, and is always well attended, Friend noted. She expects 400 to 500 cars to come through.
"We get calls throughout the year asking us when it's happening," she said.
Tires will be accepted Saturday, but the recycling center takes them throughout the year on the second and fourth and Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. to noon, Friend continued.
"They have to be off the rims, and you have to be a West Virginia resident," she said. "If you have more than 10 tires, you'll need to make an appointment."
While oil-based paints will be accepted on Saturday, latex paint will not be, according to Friend.
"It drives up the cost, and it can be disposed of in the regular trash - but it must be solidified first," she explained.
Friend suggested that kitty litter be mixed with latex paint as a means for solidifying it for disposal.
Volunteers from the Youth Services Systems Recovery Homes and the YWCA WIND program will be assisting with directing traffic and checking identification.
In addition, the Russell Nesbitt Center will have mums from their greenhouse for sale
"So if you see mums there, they are for sale," Friend said.