County Clean Sweep shatters record

Last Saturday’s Clean Sweep hazardous waste collection effort, sponsored by the Ozaukee County Land and Water Management Office, drew a record 329 people, 25% more than last year’s.

“It was an incredible turnout with record-breaking attendance,” Land and Water Management Director Katie Vogeler said. “And the day still went smooth despite the traffic and higher-than-normal wait times.”

Every year, residents bring their household hazardous waste such as non-latex paint, yard chemicals, oils, cleaners and agriculture hazardous waste.

The county partners with Veolia for official handling and disposal of the household and agriculture waste and hires a local tire collection company to recycle tires.

  Due to the waste being hazardous, it requires collection by trained and certified Veolia staff.

“That is not cheap,” Vogeler said. “That is why we apply for state grants each year to help cover this cost, but that only covers a portion of the event, even with our participant fee.”

Other than Port Washington residents, who brought their items to the Veolia site in Port Washington, county residents’ drop off point is the county Highway Department garage in Cedarburg.

The fee to drop off is $20 per car load plus additional fees for tires, which varies depending on size.

Vogeler said 10 to 15 Veolia staff members are on site assisting with the removal and disposal of waste, creating a quicker drive through experience so participants can remain in their vehicles.

At least four county staff members are on hand to direct traffic, handle tires, collect fees and answer any questions that might come up.

The county receives a $15,000 grant from the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to help pay for the program.

“But the hiring of the hazardous waste handling costs are double that,” Vogeler  said. “We try to keep fees for participants reasonable, so the Land and Water Department calculates the difference in our annual budget each year.

“We strive to offer this hazardous waste recycling service that’s cost effective for residents, and keep hazardous pollutants from becoming a danger to its handlers and the environment.”

Vogeler’s office has created an online survey to collect feedback on the event and help improve it. A QR code to the survey can be found at www.ozaukeecounty.gov/2577.