County accepting registrations for Clean Sweep

Ozaukee County residents, farmers and some businesses may dispose of hazardous waste, used tires, electronics and appliances at the Ozaukee County Clean Sweep Program to be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 11.

Residents and farmers will be able to drop off waste at the county Highway Department shop in the Town of Cedarburg, 1221 Hilltop Dr.

It’s the third year since the program was brought back under the umbrella of the county’s Land and Water Management Dept., with the Ozaukee County Highway Department, Veolia Environmental Services, Goodwill Industries and Refrigerant Depot.

“This is the first year we’re partnering with Goodwill and Refrigerant Depot so this year we have the ability to accept TVs, computers, old cell phones, refrigerators, freezers, lawn mowers and air conditioners,” said director of the county’s Land and Water Management Department, Andy Holschbach.

A $20 registration fee per vehicle is required for hazardous waste. The registration deadline is May 7.

Registration is not necessary for used tires and electronics or appliances, but disposal fees for those items may apply. Fees must be paid when the items are dropped off.

The program was formerly sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Extenson Office but was discontinued for several years until being resurrected in 2017.

The program is funded with a $12,000 grant from the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and $35,000 from the county.

Last year, the event collected and disposed of nearly 12.5 tons of household hazardous waste, 1,332 pounds of agricultural hazardous waste and 461 used tires. 

Four businesses, classified as very small quantity generators, or VSQGs, participated in the event, resulting in the collection of 1,651 pounds of hazardous waste.

The collection is open to all county residents except those from the City of Port Washington, who are able to dispose of household hazardous waste throughout the year at the Veolia facility in Port Washington. Port residents can, however, drop off tires at the county collection.

Generally, materials such as oil-based paint, adhesives, solvents, pesticides, insecticides and antifreeze will be accepted. A complete list can be found on the county web site.

Materials that will be not be accepted include latex paints and stains, compressed gas cylinders and propane tanks, motor oil, ammunition and items such as smoke detectors that contain radioactive materials. 

Residents can also print registration forms and mail them and checks payable to Ozaukee County to the Land and Water Management Department, 121 W. Main St., Room 223, Port Washington, 53074, or the forms and fees can be dropped off at the department.

For more information, call the county Land and Water Management Office at 284-8313. Registration forms can be found online at cleansweep.co.ozaukee.wi.us/.