Allegan County’s expanded hazardous waste program increases participation

For Ann McInerney, Allegan County’s expanded hazardous waste disposal program has simplified the process of safely disposing of things that can pile up in a garage like cans of old paint and containers of motor oil.

McInerney, who retires this month as Wayland Township clerk, says she has observed other residents hauling chemicals, bags of batteries, and aerosols from their homes.

“This program is such a positive for the community,” McInerney says. “Instead of being limited to one location, anyone in Allegan County can now participate at multiple sites throughout the year. It’s a wonderful convenience for residents who are trying to safely clear out their garages and barns.”

The expanded program, led by Heather Bausick, solid waste and recycling coordinator at the Allegan County Health Department, now holds three countywide events each year and has seen a dramatic increase in participation by county residents.

Now open to all residents

Previously, residents like McInerney could only use hazardous waste services if they lived in a participating township.

“People had to show a resource recovery card to drop off items, which made it difficult for me and others working there,” Bausick says. “If they weren’t from a participating area, we’d either have to turn them away or make a tough call to accept the items. It wasn’t ideal.”

After a 2023 event where a resident dropped off a large amount of waste, creating billing complications across different townships, Bausick met with county administration and the Board of Commissioners. Together, they decided that the program could be more effective if funded by county resources or grants instead of individual township fees.

McInerney has used the program both in her official role and as a resident, attending recent collection events in Wayland and Otsego.

“It’s a great way to get rid of items we all tend to keep in our garages and barns,” she says. “Heather does a great job providing flyers that outline what’s accepted, like antifreeze, aerosol cans, and pesticides. It’s convenient and helps people clear out things they may not know how to dispose of safely.”

More people take part

The decision to expand access has been well received, with participation up by 45%. 

“After the funding resolution passed, I reached out to all the communities, including Lakeshore townships that hadn’t participated before,” Bausick says. “This expansion has met a big need, especially for those seeking hazardous waste or electronic drop-offs.”

Previously, residents like McInerney could only use hazardous waste services within their own townships. Now, any Allegan County resident can participate at any designated event. 

“The open access has been a fantastic improvement, giving residents multiple opportunities throughout the year,” McInerney says. “They even accept TVs, monitors, and cords, which makes it even more convenient.”

The county’s initial $50,000 budget for the expanded service was reached by August. Additional funding increased the annual allocation to $100,000, covering collection events and a dedicated drop-off room at the health department.

Allegan County Administrator Rob Sarro says the county is pleased with the results of the pilot program.

“The project aligns with the Board of Commissioners’ current strategic plan and embodies the county’s vision that includes promoting a safe, clean, and healthy environment in which to live, work, and play,” Sarro says.   

Bausick says the program’s benefits justify the spending. 

“It’s a great investment because it keeps our waterways clean, helps residents safely dispose of products they don’t have other options for, and ensures these items don’t end up in landfills,” she says. “This program shows that we care about keeping the county clean and protecting it for future generations. People have been very receptive to it.”

The service is offered on Saturdays in May, June, and October, from 9 a.m. to noon.