We're on the Prowl to Uncover Hazardous Waste "Must Knows" ...
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Green-eyed" Concerns. Photo by "Zsanan"
OK...raise your hand (comment) if you can answer these few questions..
1. WHO KNOWS where to find out online where to dispose of household hazardous waste like fertilizers, pesticides, paints, used motor oil, and other hazardous materials in your neighborhood?
2. WHO actually has gone to the appropriate place in your neighborhood, observed the facility, and can advise clients about it? If you live in North Carolina, here is the online connection : And in case you're wondering...YES, I have been to the "dump"... Not so much fun as a trip to Ireland, I assure you. (More on that later)
Assignment:Go find your household hazardous waste online connection.
You are most welcome to add it here...(GREENie points)
On a related subject, here's something you may not have considered.
Toxic, hazardous waste and run-off from large-scale, non-organicfarming operations introduce pesticides and fertilizers into the bio-system that can be a danger not only to farm workers but to surrounding neighbors and their pets. This could put "green-eyed" real estate professionals on high alert. Manure, pesticides, and fertilizers can pollute nearby streams, rivers and lakes. Next Question...
3. Do you know where such operations are in your community?
Toxic, hazardous waste and run-off resulting from soil erosion from ill-considered development projects (in our mountains, steep slope development) can affect wells and waterways and cause harm to all concerned. Let's say you experience torrential rains. Then, stormwater collected in sewers can create water quality problems. Not only land developers, but you and I need to understand and apply management practices that keep soil and other potentially polluting materials out of the water. Which brings up this question...
4. WHO KNOWS what real estate professionals can do clue-in clients about management practices that keep polluting materials out of our water?
This is part of a series on REALTORS'® Due Diligence- Check out THIS list. 
- Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)
- Landfills
- Superfund Sites
- Water Quality Assurance Revolving Priority Fund Sites
- EPA Proposed Superfund Sites (CERCLIS)
- Hazardous Waste Sites
- Hazardous Waste & Management
Leigh~
"Most" of me is back...lots of catching up to do..including a post on green housing, irish-style. Look for that soon. And thanks for the reninder.
You're Back!! I think I know the answers to all 3 questions. I have a listing appt. in 2 hours and I'll be back. =)
Stephanie~
I await your answers with some happy anticipation.
Charlie~
You mentioned that the EPA site (link above) is little known but a great help all the way from the ground below to the air ...I have found that to be true. It's a "good-thing" for real estate brokers and their clients to consult.
JaneAnne! Welcome Home! I am interested in reading about your trip also!
Here in the quaint town of Coopersville, Michigan we are host to Recovery Resource Center. This would be the place to take hazardous wastes, motor oil, paints, recyclable materials, etc.
The Ottawa County Farms Landfill which is part of the site also generates approx 6.4 megawatts of electricity with a system designed by Granger. The city of Coopersville also schedules a fall and spring cleanup day where they pick up curbside to make it REALLY easy for the residents. It's kind of funny, actually. People drive through with pick up trucks the night before looking for treasures! One man's trash is another man's treasure!
The Resource Recovery Center and Ottawa County Farms Landfill announced a public open house and tour recently. I need to look for the date - I wanted to attend and did not write it down. I hope I didn't miss it!
janeAnne, I'm back. I posted about the recycling and hazardous waste collection in my area...but I know the website. Link is here and Here. They will also for $10 disassemble and remove the hazardous waste from and recycle televisions. I did not realize how much lead, cadmium and other stuff was in TV tubes. They accept everything here..I have been to the collection facility and even in the middle of the week in the middle of the day they had atleast 8 people out there working with Bins all labeled. I have not been to the dump up in this area...but have been to one across town Yuck.
As far as water run off, there are several farming areas by the San Jacinto River here..Sand pits...you name it. It's amazing to me how much of this is in the flood zone. Also, just around the corner from my home there is a farm surrounded by a creek on one side, and a major road on the other which drains back to the creek. I don't know of anything large scale around my other than that. I think we would have to drive to Hempstead or further West. But, Even worst in my area there is this going on. It's a Member's Only post.
We as Real Estate Professionals need to SPEAK and help educate our clients and friends about the negative aspects of these topics so that they understand the what exactly happens when they dump something or use toxins for fertilizer, etc. Blog, speak, blog, speak. :) Then send it out in our newsletter...
jane-Anne:
You inspired a blog today--and for that I thank you. As a result of the research, we are now going to offer free hazardous waste pick up for our real estate sellers.
A profound thanks for the inspiration:-)