By Brandon Hearn

The improved Johnson County Household Hazardous Waste collection facility at 11231 Mastin St., Overland Park, is celebrating completion of its first year since opening last summer.

Although only operating half a year, the facility collected more than 90,000 pounds of hazardous waste in 2023. Over 5,600 residents and 53 Johnson County businesses were able to safely dispose of their waste. Recycled materials, including oil, antifreeze, batteries, light bulbs and propane, totaled more than 20 tons. The new location is still by appointment only for dropping off old paint, stains, yard chemicals and all the other household items that are accepted in the HHW program.

Since opening in 1993 in its original location at the Nelson Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mission, the county HHW program has collected more than 12 million pounds of waste from over 350,000 drop-offs.

So, what happens to the waste? Technicians with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment will unload the vehicle and sort the items into categories, including latex paint, corrosives (usually found in cleaners), poisons (pesticides/insecticides) and flammable liquids, just to name a few.

Once separated the chemicals are stored in a safe location until they are collected by a hazardous waste contractor. About 80% of collected materials are recyclable.

Usable latex paint from Johnson County homes is mixed into several different colors on site. The paint is then available for purchase for between $20-$35 per five-gallon bucket. Proceeds help to fund the HHW program. More than 18,000 pounds of latex paint was re-blended and reused last year.

Gasoline and other flammable liquids, which are collected, are eventually used as a fuel source. Collected batteries and fluorescent light bulbs are sent to a recycler. The main item that ends up in the trash are empty paint cans. Residents can also put these empty cans in their trash container at home.

Residents are invited to shop in the Free Store where usable products are made available at no charge. Items include stain, household cleaners and car care products. No appointment is needed to purchase paint or shop the Free Store. Approximately 28,700 pounds of reused items were given back to residents through the Free Store in 2023.

The Johnson County HHW Facility is open year round on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays as well as the second Saturday of the month (March through October).

Residents can schedule a drop-off at the facility by going online at jocogov.org/hhw. For qualifying disabled or homebound residents, Johnson County offers a mobile collection service. More information about this program or to schedule an appointment, call 913-715-6907.

The city of Olathe also has a HHW location at 1420 S. Robinson Drive that any Johnson County resident can use at no charge. The facility offers weekday appointments and a monthly drop-off event where no appointment is necessary. More information is available by calling 913-971-9311.

For questions about recycling, Johnson County HHW program or anything else environmental, please contact me at brandon.hearn@jocogov.org or 913-715-6936.

Brandon Hearn is environmental health specialist at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.