As winter ends and gives way to spring, prepare for the good weather by collecting household recyclables as part of your spring-cleaning!

This year, Blanco County, thanks in part to a grant provided by the Capital Area Council of Governments, will offer two county-wide household recycle collection events.

You can plan to bring your recyclable household Batteries (rechargeable and lead acid), motor Oil, Paint (latex only please!), and Antifreeze, also known as BOPA materials, as well as your household electronics (computers, printers, etc.) and tires to the Blanco County Household Recyclables Collection Events.

Gather up your “BOPA” items (including electronics and tires) and bring them to either Johnson City on April 10, the Blanco on April 24. The Johnson City event will take place at the IESI Landfill, address: 377 Transfer Road (off Highway 281 between Johnson City and the 290 intersection). The Blanco event will be at the Blanco County Precincts 1&4 yard, address: at 402 Blanco Avenue (behind Super S).

The collection events will be the first in a series intended to manage and dispose of household recyclables and hazardous wastes in Blanco County.

Proper disposal of household hazardous wastes will aid in preserving natural resources, protect watersheds, and support the overall appearance of the region. Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are items found in homes that, when disposed of improperly, can cause injury to individuals or harm to the environment.

Trash collectors and landfill operators are directly at risk when handling HHW and the public is often not aware of potentially dangerous materials sometimes found with other solid waste items.

In addition, HHW contaminate the ground and surface water by leaking out of garbage cans, seeping into drainage systems, and, eventually entering the area water supply through runoff.

Without proper disposal, HHW can serve as a threat to public servants, residents, and wildlife within a community.

Often, citizens are unaware of the risks and dangers associated with HHW and are unfamiliar with the damages these materials can cause to human, plant, and animal life.

To aid in the public safety, ensure water supply quality, and guarantee the overall protection of the environment, Blanco County administrators, in conjunction with the Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District , Keep Blanco Beautiful, Lower Colorado River Authority, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Cities of Blanco and Johnson City are working to develop an ongoing, sustainable household recyclable and hazardous waste collection program for the citizens of Blanco County.

So mark your calendars for April 10 (Johnson City) and April 24 (Blanco), then start gathering your BOPA’s, old computers, and tires. Spread the word to friends and neighbors. Community involvement is an important key to keeping Blanco County communities clean and safe. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation or volunteering feel free to contact Tessa Doehrman at 830-868-6082 or Paul Granberg at 830-833-1077.