Household hazardous materials collection facility opens in Fort Dodge, Iowa

A collection facility for household hazardous materials at the Fort Dodge, Iowa, Regional Recycling Center, has been constructed and is set to open in March 2017, a report by The Messenger says. The agency is currently in the process of hiring staff.

The site will take fluorescent bulbs, used oil, oil paints, lawn chemicals and other potentially hazardous waste to the site, the report says. A “swap shop” where residents can drop off used paint or gardening supplies so other residents can use them will also be implemented.

Operations Manager Jessica Moffitt told The Messenger that the only thing that won’t be recycled at the new facility is pesticides. The site will not take ammunition, explosives, asbestos, medications and certain appliances, the report says.

The facility will start with Moffitt, two technicians and a supervisor, according to the report, but the staff may increase if more materials come in. It will be open by appointment only, Tuesdays through Fridays and the first and third Saturdays of the month.

Kolacia Construction of Fort Dodge constructed the site for about $700,000, which includes a drive-through to one side of the building where residents can pull up and technicians will unload materials. The main building will be used for sorting and storage, the report says. A separate storage room for holding more dangerous materials such as flammables will also be available.

Disposal is set to be free for individuals, the report says, but small quantity generators will have different pricing for materials because of their larger volumes. The waste will be disposed of by multiple companies.