DATE: April 30, 2009

CONTACT: Ben Powell, 843-365-6715
bpowel2@clemson.edu

WRITER: Peter Hull, 843-554-7226, ext. 118
phull@clemson.edu

Solid Waste Authority, Carolina Clear to host 'Spring Greening'

CONWAY — The Horry County Solid Waste Authority, with the help of Carolina Clear, a stormwater education and awareness program of the Clemson University Restoration Institute, would like to help residents of Horry County properly dispose of household hazardous waste, such as batteries, paints, pesticides and more.

During the first-ever "Spring Greening" event at the Solid Waste Authority's headquarters, county residents are encouraged to bring unused household hazardous products that should not be discarded in household trash or down drains. 

Disposing of these materials properly is important to protect Horry County's soil and water resources and the health of its citizens.

The Spring Greening takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Solid Waste Authority's headquarters at 1886 S.C. 90 in Conway. Participants will get T-shirts and spray bottles on a first-come, first-served basis.

Working with other educators as part of the Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium, Carolina Clear's goal is to minimize pollution in stormwater runoff by educating the general public, youth, builders, developers, homeowners and government officials about how to keep water in the state's streams, rivers, beaches and basins protected from pollution.

Properly disposing of household hazardous waste, such as paints, pesticides, cleaning solvents and lubricants, helps prevent pollution reaching our waterways.

For more information about this event, contact Stephanie Todd of the Solid Waste Authority at 843-347-1651 or Ben Powell of the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service at 843-365-6715.

Materials accepted
Acid and bases, antifreeze, brake fluid, drain openers, gasoline and kerosene, oxidizers, pesticides, poisons, weed killers, aerosols, batteries, corrosives, flammables, furniture strippers, household cleaners, lighter fluid, paints and thinners, photography chemicals, pool chemicals and wood preservatives.

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Carolina Clear
Carolina Clear takes a comprehensive approach to inform and educate communities about water quality, water quantity and the cumulative effects of stormwater. Carolina Clear addresses the special significance of South Carolina's water resources and the role they play in the state's economy, environmental health and overall quality of life. On the Web at www.clemson.edu/carolinaclear.

Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium
The consortium is a collaborative arrangement among educators and regulated municipalities in Horry and Georgetown counties to develop and implement effective, outcomes-based stormwater education and outreach programs that will meet federal requirements and satisfy the environmental and economic needs of the communities that they serve. On the web at www.cwsec-sc.org.

Clemson University Restoration Institute
The mission of the Clemson University Restoration Institute is to advance knowledge in integrative approaches to the restoration and sustainability of historic, ecological and urban infrastructure resources and drive economic growth. The institute's vision is to build a sustainable future through education, collaborative restoration research and strategic partnerships. On the Web at www.clemson.edu/restoration.