MERRILL (WAOW) -
A program launched Friday giving people a chance to drop off hazardous materials and old electronics.
The event called the "Clean Sweep" is about getting rid of hazards, the safe way.
It's held at the Merrill City Garage, which from the outside could be mistaken for a warehouse, but what's inside is much more than boxes.
"We're collecting hazardous waste, flammables, as well as non-flammable items, we're taking tires, cars, pick-up tires," said Oneida County Solid Waste Director Charlie Evenhouse.
The garage filled up fast during the first day of the program.
"People that buy a new home or move out of their home, do a little clean-up around their yard, in the garage, and they just come upon items that they've stored for many years," said Evenhouse.
The program is a partnership between the Oneida County Department of Solid Waste and the City of Merrill.
Organizers said it's a smart way to dispose of the items.
People at the event said they're glad to see it in their hometown.
"Gives you a safe place to get rid of paint rather than dumping them, quote, 'somewhere'", said Merrill resident Mike Saeger.
David Cole brought his old motor oil and he said the program will only help people take care of the community.
"The easier they make it for people to do it, the more people will do the right thing," said Cole.
Giving people a chance to avoid the dangers of disposing items in the wrong places.
"Sneak it off to the landfill or something like that cause it's going to leak and do pollution," said Saeger.
Organizers said making the difference to protect children, pets and families in the area is what it's all about.
"We want to keep the hazardous waste items out of the landfills," said Evenhouse.
Organizers said they'll take the items collected to be disposed of the right way and in some cases, recycled and reused.
