Reduce, reuse and recycle. We’ve all heard the message but it can be frustrating when it comes to recycling on the farm. As producers do maintenance on equipment and work around the farm excess waste is produced and the frustration of where to dispose of the waste arises.
It can be tempting to throw these items on a brush pile or in a fencerow but for people who want to improve their land that just won’t do. So where can you take these items? There doesn’t seem to be a one-stop spot for all recyclables but with a little research a collection site can be determined.
“If producers have materials for recycling and they do not know where to take them, I would suggest calling their local government offices or county offices. They can direct them to a non-profit or collection facility in the area,” suggested Melissa Myers, City of Lebanon, Mo., Public Works grant and special projects administrator.
It can be very inconvenient to drive into town just to recycle and it can be time consuming. With a little preparation your time can be better utilized when making that trip into town to recycle; chances are you are going to have to make more than one stop to get rid of everything.
The following are some household hazardous waste materials and where they can be collected:
Oil and Antifreeze
Most automotive stores, such as O’Reilly, and tractor implement stores will collect used motor oil and antifreeze. Check with your dealer for disposal options. Some auto shops will accept used filters.
Generally when farmers have used oil or antifreeze that they need to get rid of, they can bring it to their implement dealer’s service department. The store we collect the antifreeze and a company who will dispose of it or recycle it will pick it up. Some burn used oil.
Batteries
Automotive batteries can be exchanged at point of purchase.
“All of our O’Reilly locations collect batteries. The batteries are then picked up and they get safely reclaimed,” explained John Bounds, O’Reilly’s corporate office environmental coordinator in Springfield, Mo.
Old Tires
Auto shops will recycle used tires. There may be a fee involved but it is a better option for the environment and your farm than burning used tires.
There is not a cut and dry answer to where you can take farm waste. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a list of recycle centers by county. Safety Kleen (located nationwide) also provides recycling services to many recycling centers; they will be able to direct you to a branch in your area. Visit ozarksfn.com for a link to the list put out by DNR and for a link to Safety Kleen.
