Free event to dispose of household hazardous waste

Kern County Public Works will host their Shafter-Wasco One-Day Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shafter-Wasco Sanitary Landfill, 17621 Scofield Ave., in Shafter. It is a free event.

Residents will be able to properly and safely dispose of their hazardous waste. Types of hazardous waste accepted include automotive products and fluids, batteries, household cleaners, over-the-counter expired or no-use-for medications, fluorescent bulbs and old medical use syringes. Basically, anything too toxic to throw in the regular trash.

All accepted: Paint and paint products, pesticides and weed killers, and pool chemicals, which the State of California prohibits dumping in a solid waste landfill.

The purpose of the event is twofold: to encourage proper disposal and to prevent illegal dumping of hazardous waste.

Kern County Public Works Maintenance Superintendent Denise Saucedo said this event makes it convenient for Wasco residents to dispose of their hazardous waste, so they don't have to drive to Bakersfield.

"It saves them the cost of fuel and drive time. We believe it is important to service residents in the outlying communities, including Wasco and Shafter."

While at the landfill to dispose of hazardous waste at this event, one can also take nonhazardous waste at the same time, like old mattresses, tires, refrigerators, appliances, lumber, and green waste. These items are accepted at the landfill during regular hours of operation.

For those unable to make this particular event, county residents can visit the Special Waste Facility, 4951 Standard St. in Bakersfield, which is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no cost for residential hazardous waste disposal.

Illegal dumping of hazardous waste is dangerous and can have environmental impacts by polluting our state waters (including groundwater, storm drains, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, etc.). It can also damage soil quality, affect air quality from potential burning activities and harm wildlife.

This event is hosted at the Shafter-Wasco Landfill twice a year, in February and August. They have collected anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds of hazardous waste in the past. In February of 2021, they collected 5,500 pounds.

"We try to make the process as easy as possible and even unload the waste for them," said Saucedo.

There are rules to follow when transporting waste to the event: one must label all containers, have no leaking containers, no ammunition or explosives, and do not mix wastes. The transport of more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of waste per trip is not allowed. "These restrictions are in place to prevent chemical spill and or environmental contamination."

For more information on the event, call 661-862-5100 or visit kerncountypublicworks.com.