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ss/ecowise.pr Contact: Aron Trombka, 301-217-2770
NEW HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES HELPS TO
SAVE MONEY AND PROTECT ENVIRONMENT For Immediate Release: Sept. 11, 1996
Small businesses in Montgomery County that generate relatively small
quantities of hazardous waste now have a safe, low-cost option for disposing
such materials, through an innovative new County program known as EcoWise.
Under the program, the County will sponsor monthly collection events during
which eligible businesses and employers may deliver hazardous waste materials
for recycling, treatment or disposal.
Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan was joined by County
Councilmember Isiah Leggett, local business owners and environmental
organization leaders today in showcasing the initiative on today's first
collection day.
"Until today, many small businesses have had no viable option for
disposing their hazardous waste materials," said Duncan. "They could easily
pay in the hundreds of dollars just to have a few gallons of materials
removed. This program will help them cut their disposal costs dramatically
and, most importantly, ensure that these hazardous waste materials are safely
and properly managed. Everyone wins -- most notably, the business owners and
the environment."
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HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM LAUNCHED 2-2-2
"EcoWise is one of several innovative solid waste disposal measures
Montgomery County has taken over the years to help ensure that hazardous
materials are removed from our waste stream in a safe, environmentally
sensitive and cost-efficient manner," said Leggett. "We truly need the
cooperative support from all segments of the community to make certain that
our small businesses are aware of this option and that they will freqently
utilize this important service."
In launching the program, the County has become the first jurisdiction
in Maryland to proactively provide cost efficient hazardous waste options to
small businesses.
All hazardous materials received through the EcoWise program will be
accepted and handled by a licensed and permitted hazardous waste management
firm contracted by Montgomery County.
EcoWise participants will pay costs averaging 80 percent below that of
comparable fees for directly contracting with a hazardous waste management
firm. They will also benefit from recognition in County-issued promotional
materials, which will identify businesses and organizations that participate
in the environmentally friendly program. Participating businesses will also
receive signs, posters and decals displaying the EcoWise logo, to make their
customers aware of their participation.
Eligible hazardous waste generators may dispose of up to 100 kilograms
of such materials as acids, bases, fuels, solvents, oil-based paints and
stains, photographic chemicals, batteries, pesticides and heavy metals per
visit. Improper disposal of these materials can contaminate soils, groundwater
and surface waters and pose health and safety risks to humans.
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HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM LAUNCHED 3-3-3
EcoWise collection events for participating businesses will be held at
the County's Solid Waste Transfer Station on the second Wednesday of each
month from 1-5 p.m More frequent collections may be scheduled as demand for
the service increases. The EcoWise program does not accept acutely hazardous
wastes, radioactive materials, explosives and medical waste.
Small business representatives who would like more information or to
register for the EcoWise program are asked to call the Montgomery County
Division of Solid Waste Services at 301-217-2770.
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