- Client: Putnam County Commissioners Office
- Location: Putnam County, Ohio
- Industry Sector: Municipal Environmental Services
- Project Type: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection & Disposal
- Contractor: ERG Environmental Services
Project Overview
ERG Environmental Services partnered with the Putnam County Commissioners Office to coordinate and execute a county-wide household hazardous waste (HHW) collection day. The event was held at a designated county facility and offered residents a safe, compliant method for disposing of a wide variety of hazardous household materials. ERG provided turnkey support—from event setup and traffic flow planning to material collection, packaging, and certified disposal.
Project Challenges & Client Needs
The County required a single-day event that could be advertised across multiple media platforms and held at a fixed location. Key logistical needs included:
- Pre-event site setup to accommodate high traffic volume and ensure safe drop-off conditions
- A trained crew to manage the diverse types of hazardous waste from hundreds of residents
- Full compliance with all applicable federal and state environmental regulations
In total, 380 residents participated, bringing a variety of regulated waste streams for disposal.
ERG’s Comprehensive Event Management Approach
ERG deployed a full-service environmental operations team to manage all critical elements of the event, including:
1. Site Planning & Traffic Flow Design
ERG worked closely with county officials to pre-stage materials and collection zones at the event site, ensuring a smooth and safe flow of vehicles and residents throughout the day.
2. Hazardous Waste Collection
Accepted items included:
- Waste paint
- Fluorescent bulbs and batteries
- Aerosol cans
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Toxic materials
- Fire extinguishers and propane cylinders
- Gasoline and assorted electronic devices
3. Packaging, Transport, and Disposal
All materials were:
- Collected and sorted on-site
- Packaged in regulatory-compliant containers
- Loaded onto ERG trailers
- Transported and disposed of at certified facilities per RCRA and DOT standards
Certifications & Regulatory Qualifications
ERG field staff met all required certifications and safety protocols, including:
- OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training
- RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) handling compliance
- DOT hazardous material transport certification
- PPE protocols tailored to material types and handling risk
These qualifications ensured safe operations and minimized regulatory exposure for the county.
Value Delivered to Putnam County
| Key Benefit | Outcome Delivered by ERG |
| Public Safety | Residents safely disposed of hazardous items, reducing environmental risks |
| Operational Efficiency | ERG’s full-service approach removed the logistical burden from the county team |
| Regulatory Compliance | All collection, packaging, and transport met OSHA/DOT/RCRA standards |
| Community Engagement | 380 residents directly benefited from a county-sponsored environmental service |
Summary
ERG Environmental Services delivered a highly organized, compliant, and community-focused HHW collection event for Putnam County. By providing full-site planning, trained labor, and end-to-end waste handling, ERG empowered the county to offer a valuable public service while ensuring full adherence to environmental safety and legal requirements.