We understand the importance of protecting our planet. Since Johnson County Government created its first sustainability committee in 2004, being mindful of our impact on the environment has become a priority in the construction and maintenance of County buildings. The United States Green Building Council has certified two of our buildings as LEED Platinum and five others as LEED Gold. We’ve expanded our fleet of alternative fuel and Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles and made strides towards ambitious waste goals. We also offer our residents many ways to make sustainability part of their lives through The Jo transit system, and recycling opportunities for Household Hazardous Waste, expired medications and unwanted electronics. Together we can make a difference!
Johnson County invites you to join us for a community discussion about waste and recycling. We are updating our Solid Waste Management Plan and public involvement is necessary for this project’s success. The purpose of the Plan is to establish a clear vision for the waste diversion goals, recycling strategies, infrastructure needs, and priorities for the County over the next 25 years. Please join us to share your input as we look forward to hearing from you!
Two ways to provide input:
2. Attend our Open House Community Meeting: Waste and Recycling in Johnson County
Open House - Come anytime between 6-8pm
Wednesday, April 24th
Central Resource Library - Community Room
9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212
All are welcome, no RSVP is necessary. Questions? Contact Brandon Hearn: Brandon.Hearn@jocogov.org or 913-715-6936.
On April 1st an erroneous press release announced that all open burning in a 16 county region of Eastern Kansas is banned. This mistakenly included residential burn pits and chimeneas. This burning ban does not include either of these sources, so long as they are not banned by your local jurisdiction. Residential burn pits and chimeneas are allowed to be used in April under the regulations set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). For specific information on the KDHE burn ban, please visit www.ksfire.org. You can contact Mike Boothe, Environmental Compliance Manager, after April 10th at 913-715-6939. If you need immediate assistance please contact Todd Rogers at 913-715-6904.
Holiday Lights: You no longer have to throw away your broken and unusable holiday lights, thanks to Southeast Enterprises, who recycled more than 60,000 pounds of holiday lights last year alone. Some locations will accept lights through January 11th; others have an earlier cut-off date. However, Southeast Enterprises’ Kansas City location will accept lights year round. To find a location nearest to you go to www.southeastenterprises.org/kcrecyclelights.
Wrapping Paper: Each year Americans throw away enough wrapping paper to cover 5,787 football fields. Unfortunately most wrapping paper can't be recycled, including all paper that is shiny or metallic looking; the exception being brown parchment paper. Using a reusable bag, an old magazine, or newspaper instead can be a great alternative to non-recyclable wrapping paper. If you do buy wrapping paper, buy rolls made from recycled paper.
Trees - Real and Fake: Keep your Christmas tree out of the landfill. An artificial tree that it is no longer usable can be recycled as electronic waste at several locations in the KC metro area. Natural trees are collected in several places around Johnson County and will find a second home as a fish habitat or mulch for a park. All decorations should be removed.
Johnson County Park and Recreation locations- December 26th through January 31st
Overland Park locations- December 26th through January 6th
In celebration of America Recycles Day, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, Downtown Overland Park, ProShred, and Secure e-Cycle will be hosting an electronics recycling and paper shredding event on Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Patrons can drop off “anything with a cord” to be properly recycled, as well as paper that will be securely shredded. All electronic items are free except TVs ($20 each) and CRT monitors ($15 each).
The event will be held in the parking lot near the Overland Park Farmers’ Market pavilion – enter and exit from Marty Street, between 79th and 80th Street. As a courtesy, Johnson County staff and volunteers will be there to unload your vehicle.
The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment will once again offer 2nd Saturday of the month by appointment only, Household Hazardous Waste collection events. Our next event will take place on Saturday, October 13th from 8-11:30am and are by appointment only. These events are for residential drop-offs only and residents can schedule a drop-off time through our online scheduler. Saturday collection events will occur the 2nd Saturday of the month and will run through October. Electronic waste will not be accepted, however, Secure E-Cycle is located a short distance from the Household Hazardous Waste facility and will be accepting items during the Saturday collection events. Prices for electronic recycling are: TVs under 31" ($25), TVs over 31" ($35), CRT monitors ($10), LCD computer monitors ($5), PC's with data destruction ($5), all other accepted electronics are free. Secure E-Cycle will also accept paper for shredding, prices for secure paper disposal are $25 for the 1st box, and $5 for each additional box. For other electronic recycling options go to RecycleSpot.org to find the locations closest to you.
The past week’s heavy rain and floods have wreaked havoc on many Johnson County homes and businesses. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) offers the following tips to prevent injury and illness during cleanup and how to manage and remove the debris and trash left behind.
James Joerke, JCDHE deputy director, advises residents and business owners to contact their local city or trash company to find out how much trash and debris can be placed at the curb and if any large item collections are being planned.
“Always ask about fees for these type of additional pick-ups,” says Joerke. “If you have a large quantity of trash, you may need to rent a dumpster and pay to have it hauled to a landfill.”
Items that are not accepted at the curb, such as paint, cleaners, household chemicals and fluorescent light bulbs, may be brought to the Johnson County Household Hazardous Waste site for disposal. Make an appointment to drop off for these items, as well as non-working appliances and electronics: https://jocogov.org/dept/health-and-environment/environment/hazardous-materials/accepted-items
Safety after a Flood: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.html
Mold after a Disaster: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/mold and https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/resources-flood-cleanup-and-indoor-air-quality
It's super bowl weekend, which means lots of parties, pizza-ordering and yes . . . trash. It can be tricky to remember what can and can't go in your recycling bin. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has put together a handy list of the top 10 most confusing items. The list was published in the most recent issue of JoCo Magazine.
Here are some tips that might come in handy this weekend:
View the full list on jocogov.org. Print it out and post it on the wall near your recycling bin so everyone in your household can be in the know!
Sign-up online to drop-off your household hazardous waste. All drop-offs are by appointment only! To schedule an appointment for household hazardous materials: Make an appointment online or call 913-715-6907 and wait for an operator. Mobile pickup is available to home bound residents only.
111 S Cherry St, Olathe, KS 66061 | 913-715-5000 | TDD: 800-766-3777
© Johnson County, KS, USA 2020
