Cash Woes Close Waste Facility Early

If you’re thinking about getting rid of some old paint or other hazardous materials, you’d better hurry. Summit County’s household hazardous waste facility on Graham Road at S.R. 8 is closing for the season next Wednesday (July 27), possibly forever.

The center is open Tuesday 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Director Yolanda Walker, in a letter to residents, described the circumstances behind the decision to close the facility early this year.

“Our overall revenue has fallen dramatically over the last three years,” Walker wrote. “And, while have made substantial cuts in other expenses, we find ourselves in the position where, in order to balance our budget, we must scale back operations at the (House Hazardous Waste Recycling Center).”

The Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority, which runs the center, collects fees from all waste collection throughout Summit County and uses a portion of that revenue to run the center. The weak economy apparently has cut down on the amount of waste being generated and collected, which cuts into the authority’s revenue stream.

Walker was not available for further comment Thursday.

The center accepts potentially hazardous household wastes such as paint, motor oil, tires from cars and small trucks (a $1 fee per tire) and other wastes that could damage the environment if not properly disposed.

The center, which has been operating since 1996, no longer takes electronic devices (computers, cellphones, televisions, etc.), but it does suggest places that will take electronics, TVs and unused medicines. at Stow's .

Learn more about Summit County’s recycling and waste management programs at Thetrashformation.org.  

The Akron Beacon Journal reported long lines outside the facility earlier this week, and more of the same can be expected for the last two days next week.

The authority’s board of trustees meets at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 9 in downtown Akron at 12 E. Exchange St., third floor.