District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) wants to let residents of Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties know they are invited to safely dispose of unwanted household hazardous materials during the annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 2 P.M. to 6 P.M.

The HHW event is being supported by Osceola-Lake and Mecosta Conservation Districts, the MAEAP Clean Sweep Program, and many local governments, businesses, organizations, and individual donors and is open to all residents of Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties.

Hazardous materials, when improperly discarded, pose serious risks to our health, water systems, and the environment. This event offers a responsible disposal option to protect local communities and natural resources.

Collection Sites:

• Mecosta County Fairgrounds, 540 West Ave, Big Rapids, MI

• Wenger Pavilion (behind Jones Ice Cream Parlor), 868 Michigan Ave, Baldwin, MI

Residents may use either location regardless of their home county.

Accepted Materials Include:

• Automotive Products: Motor oil (≤ 5 gal/container, no 55-gallon drums), antifreeze, brake fluid, oil filters, gasoline, diesel fuel

• Paint Products: Oil-based paint, varnishes, thinners, glues, lead-based paint (NO latex paint)

• Yard & Garden Chemicals: Herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, insect repellents

• Cleaners & Miscellaneous: Mercury thermometers, pool chemicals, nail polish remover, fluorescent light bulbs, lithium batteries

Not Accepted:

• Tires, televisions/electronics, medications, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials, construction debris, sharps, large appliances, and latex paint (if dry, it can go in regular trash)

Pre-registration is not required unless you are bringing over 200 pounds of waste for disposal.

To continue this vital service, a suggested minimum $20 donation per vehicle is appreciated to help offset disposal costs.

For additional questions or volunteer opportunities, please call Osceola-Lake Conservation District at (231) 465-8012 or Mecosta Conservation District at (231) 349-9805, or go to their website at www.mecostacd.org or www.osceolalakecd.org.

_{Release courtesy of MDHHS.}