ACHD Urges Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste to Protect Waterways

BOISE, Idaho — The Ada County Highway District is urging residents to properly dispose of hazardous waste to prevent pollutants from entering the sewer system and contaminating local waterways.

(Below is a transcript of the full broadcast story.)

“Residents need to realize that anything that washes off their property and ends up on the street or sidewalk will enter the sewer system and can go directly into waterways,” said Monica Lowe, environmental supervisor with ACHD.

The Ada County Highway District manages the area’s sewer system and reminds residents to avoid putting pollutants into drains.

Which pollutants are most common?

“Oftentimes, it’s what we use around our homes, called household hazardous waste. It could be paint, solvents, lawn chemicals — anything that goes out into the street, out of your driveways or neighborhoods, goes into the sewer system and can end up in the Boise River, ditches or other local waterways,” Lowe says.

When these materials are washed off driveways, they end up directly in Boise waterways without being treated or cleaned. Therefore, measures are taken to prevent contamination and protect the safety of fish and other wildlife.

That’s why it’s crucial that hazardous materials are disposed of properly. For example, the City of Boise’s Curb It program recommends that toxins, motor oil, or antifreeze be taken to one of their 15 local household hazardous waste collection sites in Ada County.