Henderson looks to plan another hazardous waste and recycling event
A line of cars stretched from the side of the Henderson Pavilion down Paseo Verde Parkway to Green Valley Parkway as people waited to drop off trash, recyclable items and donations at the inaugural Henderson Shines event May 21.
“I was so excited to see so many of our residents participate and safely dispose of materials that can be dangerous to our environment,” Mayor Andy Hafen said in a statement.
More than a month after the event , the city has measured its success by the amount of trash collected.
According to Kathy Blaha, senior public information specialist, more than 10 tons of hazardous household waste, including paint, motor oil and antifreeze, was collected and properly disposed of.
Blaha said that is equivalent to almost 39 55-gallon garbage drums.
The event was created in partnership with Neighborhood Services, the Community Development Department, the Parks and Recreation Department and Republic Services, which supplied trash bins .
About a dozen workers from Republic Services were on hand to answer questions and help collect and sort items.
From pick up trucks with their beds filled with old furniture, bikes and boxes to small cars bursting with computer monitors and garbage bags, about 450 vehicles drove through during the four-hour event to make a deposit.
Residents also were able to have papers shredded. They put the papers in a 3-foot-tall bin, which was immediately locked and transported to Opportunity Village, where the papers were shredded.
There also were stations and booths where residents could learn about other sustainability programs in Henderson.
People also were encouraged to drop off donations, which went to Opportunity Village.
Keith Copeland, director of operations for Opportunity Village’s Henderson campus, said the organization collected bicycles, clothing, household items and furniture.
“It was a huge success for both us and the city of Henderson,” Copeland said. “We were surprised because we had no clue how the turn out would end up being.”
All the items collected went to the Opportunity Village Thrift Store.
“The purpose is two fold,” Copeland said. “It allows us to sell these items to people on a limited income or our thrifty shoppers.”
But the second purpose, Copeland said, was to provide salaries for Opportunity Village’s employees with disabilities.
Henderson Shines also gave Opportunity Village a chance to raise awareness about the thrift store .
“It is a win-win for everyone,” Copeland said.
Copeland said he hopes to partner with the city again for similar future events .
The city is scheduled to host another Henderson Shines event Sept. 10 at the Whitney Ranch Recreation Center, 1575 Galleria Drive.
For more information, visit Neighborhood Services at cityofhenderson.com.
Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.
