E.P.A. Opens Drop-Off Location for Hazardous Waste, White Goods and Electronic Equipment from Joplin Tornado; Curbside Pickup Also an Option

(Kansas City, Kan., June 7, 2011) - As the process of debris removal from the Joplin, Mo., tornado continues, E.P.A. has established a special drop-off location for household hazardous waste, white goods and electronic equipment. Those materials and items will be accepted between eight a.m. and five 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 3 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 E.P.A. contractors.

E.P.A. 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, E.P.A. 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

E.P.A. has prepared a fact sheet offering some specific examples of household hazardous wastes that will be eligible for curbside collection or acceptance at the drop-off site. To see the list, go to the fact sheet.

E.P.A. is collecting white goods and electronics equipment for possible recycling, while household hazardous wastes are being collected for safe and proper disposal.

E.P.A. is also retrieving orphaned hazardous containers, such as propane tanks that were picked up or moved during the tornado. Persons finding or sighting an orphaned tank or drum should be aware that it can be potentially dangerous and should call E.P.A. at (913) 281-0991 for proper disposal.

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