The free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will collect up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste per customer on Saturday, April 27, in Oakridge. Hazardous waste from businesses, schools, churches, government agencies or non-profits may be subject to disposal fees and those organizations must pre-register for the event.
When: Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Oakridge Fire Station, 47592 Highway 58, Oakridge
Who: All community members are welcome to participate in the roundup.
What to bring:
Up to 35 gallons of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products, arts and crafts products, pool chemicals, fluorescent lamps and other household hazardous waste. Check labels for words like flammable, corrosive, poison, caution, and danger.
Please don't bring:
Empty containers, drums, radioactive or infectious waste, asbestos, pressurized cylinders, or explosives. Any empty containers can be safely thrown in the trash. For information about disposal of radioactive waste, asbestos or explosives call 541-682-3828.
What about hazardous waste from businesses?
Businesses that generate small amounts of hazardous waste may pre-register to bring that waste to this event. Businesses must pay for disposal of the waste, but most can save money by using this program rather than hiring a contractor.
Electronics Recycling
The Cottage Grove, Creswell, Florence, Marcola, Oakridge, Rattlesnake, Veneta and Vida transfer stations accept the following items for free during normal operating hours: televisions, computer monitors, CPUs, printers, phones and laptops. Maximum seven items per day. No commercial or floor-standing copiers, parts or dismantled units.
Please call 541 682-4120 for more information about hazardous waste disposal for households or businesses.
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Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to register to vote or update their voter registration now, to be election-ready for the May 21, 2024 Primary Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote or make changes to their party affiliation no later than April 30, 2024.
Oregon is a closed primary state. All voters will have an opportunity to vote on issues and nonpartisan positions. Only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their respective party’s candidates in a primary election. It is important to confirm or update your party affiliation now, but no later than April 30 if you wish to vote in a party’s closed primary.
“This is the time when every voter should be confirming their registration, including checking their address and party affiliation,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “And, if you aren’t registered to vote, you still have a chance to participate in this election if you get registered by April 30.”
The voter registration deadline is April 30, 2024. If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10th Ave., Eugene) on that day. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2024. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2024.
Local ballots will be mailed starting on May 2, 2024. To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.
Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.
Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
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After launching last fall, Lane County’s Storm Water Management Program is back and accepting business applicants.
This voluntary program allows businesses in Lane County to help maintain storm drains for a reduced flat fee of $65 per drain. Last fall, nearly 100 businesses from across Lane County signed up to participate in the program, which Lane County coordinates in partnership with Stormwater Protection Systems (SPS).
Lane County-based businesses can sign up each fall and spring in anticipation of heavy rainfall and more water entering the storm drain systems. To register a company for the fall program, visit LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP and sign up by May 31.
Storm water often drains directly into rivers and streams without treatment, resulting in pollutants from parking lots and roadways contributing to water quality issues. Storm drain cleaning and maintenance are vital in ensuring clean waterways by removing contaminants like heavy metals, oil, pesticides, and fertilizers while reducing parking lot flooding.
“We all have a vested interest in keeping our community’s waterways clean,” said Lane County Waste Reduction Supervisor Angie Marzano. “This is a low-cost, high-impact way for businesses to make a real difference in those efforts while meeting their responsibilities.”
Businesses are responsible for cleaning and maintaining privately owned storm drains in their parking lots. The program aims to make this service more affordable and encourage biannual cleanings.
The $65 per drain fee covers debris removal from standard parking lot drains, power washing in and around the drain, and disposal of all contaminated sediment. The program does not cover additional fees for jetting, repair, or oversized storm drains.
Interested businesses can register or get more information at LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP or email SCAP@ LaneCountyOR.gov.
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Road Name: Green Hill Road Location: Green Hill Road Bridge - #039C51 (South of Barger Drive over Amazon Creek) Begin Construction: Milepost 3 End Construction: Milepost 3.5 Dates and times: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 11 to June 30, 2024 Reason for construction: Bridge rail repairs. There will be one lane closure and traffic will be controlled by flaggers. Alternate routes: Royal Avenue, Barger Drive, and Bodenhamer Road
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Drivers on rural County-maintained roads will see mowers clearing the road rights-of-way of grass and brush beginning this month.
“Mowing helps us reduce fire danger and make sure that drivers have clear lines of sight on County roads,” said Chad McBride, Lane County vegetation supervisor. “It’s really helpful when people keep things like fences and signs out of the right-of-way. They slow us down, damage our equipment, generate complaints about the cluttered landscape, and don’t belong there in the first place.”
In the coming weeks, County staff will remove any signs in the rights-of-way in preparation for mowing.
“During big election years, the number of signs placed illegally alongside roads explodes and it makes it more difficult to mow roadsides efficiently,” said McBride. “This year, we’ll do a sweep ahead of the mowers to remove signs.”
Property owners can help prepare by ensuring they have not placed anything in the mower’s path in the road right-of-way.
- Political and other signs. No political signs, business signs or other types of signs belong in the road right-of-way. Signs may be removed and stored for 30 days at Lane County Public Works before being destroyed. Signs placed near a rural road must be on private property and behind any utility facilities (poles, closures, etc.) or sidewalks.
- Rocks. Rocks over 3 inches in diameter and other fixed objects must be removed from the right-of-way.
- Fencing. Derelict fencing can be both a hazard and a high-cost obstacle for mowers. Fencing that has fallen into the road right-of-way can become entangled in the equipment, or can make it impossible to clear the affected area of grass and brush.
- Ornamental vegetation or other plantings. Plants in the right-of-way, especially those that grow large and aggressively, will be removed. Plants in the right-of-way will be mown to the lowest level practical in order to provide the longest-lasting effect.
By keeping items out of the right-of-way, residents can avoid unnecessary expense and hassle, save taxpayer money by saving Public Works personnel from having to remove signs and other items, and help protect neighbors and visitors from accidents.
In rural areas, the road right-of-way is typically from the pavement to the fence or private property line (anywhere the maintenance vehicles would drive). In the unincorporated parts of Eugene or Springfield, the right-of-way is the planting area between the sidewalk and curb.
Drivers are allowed to pass the mowers on the left when it is safe to do so but oncoming traffic takes precedence.
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Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—and the City of Eugene are partnering with organizations and governments locally and nationwide during Food Waste Prevention Week (April 1-7) to reduce wasted food at home, work, and throughout Lane County communities.
Efforts will focus on social media activities and outreach events in Eugene and Springfield in coordination with BRING and Sanipac. Additionally, mayors in Eugene and Springfield have made Food Waste Prevention Week proclamations.
Wednesday, April 3
PublicHouse, Springfield (418 A St.) | 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy live music, food, drink, and visit an information table staffed by local leaders from the City of Eugene, BRING, Sanipac, and Waste Wise Lane County, who will provide valuable insights on diverting food waste within our community.
Saturday, April 6
Lane County Farmers Market, Eugene (85 E 8th Ave) | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Purchase fresh local produce, wares, delicious foods and stop by an information table staffed by local leaders from City of Eugene, BRING, Sanipac, and Waste Wise Lane County, who will share food waste diversion information.
“For people who worry about climate change, reducing food waste is one of the most powerful actions we can take to address the issue,” said Daniel Hiestand, Lane County waste reduction outreach coordinator. “It’s empowering to know that controlling what happens in your kitchen is not only great for the planet, it also saves money.”
Food waste facts
- Tackling wasted food is integrated into Lane County’s Climate Action Plan and Solid Waste Management Plan.
- Between 30 to 40 percent of food grown in the U.S. goes uneaten, and wasted food makes up nearly 20 percent of Lane County’s garbage stream.
- A family of four can save an average of nearly $2,000 annually by eating all the food they buy.
- In Oregon, as much as 70 percent of all discarded food might have been eaten if it was stored well, not forgotten, or frozen for later use.
- In the U.S., one in five people lacks consistent access to nutritious food, while up to 3 million tons of wasted food goes to landfills annually.
Follow the campaign on WasteWise Lane County’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
About Waste Wise Lane County
Waste Wise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about Waste Wise Lane County tips to curb wasted food at www.eatsmartwasteless.tips.
About City of Eugene Waste Prevention and Green Building
The City of Eugene Waste Prevention Program is dedicated to promoting sustainable waste management practices and fostering community partnerships to create a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous environment for all residents. Through its regulatory oversight, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts, the program strives to advance conservation as an essential community value and inspire collective action toward a greener future. Learn more at www.eugenerecycles.org.
About Food Waste Prevention Week
From education to government agencies to nonprofits, Food Waste Prevention Week represents a variety of stakeholders across the food and environmental education sectors that share a passion for conserving food, saving families money, and supporting a healthier environment. Learn more at www.foodwastepreventionweek.com.
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Trauma Intervention Programs of Lane County (TIP) is actively recruiting for volunteers. TIP volunteers are called by law enforcement, fire, medical and hospital personnel to respond to scenes of sudden or unexpected death (natural, homicide, suicide, accidental, infant) industrial accidents, sexual assaults, overdoses, violent crime and other traumatic incidents to provide immediate emotional and practical support to families, friends, witnesses and survivors. By ensuring those who are emotionally traumatized in emergencies receive the immediate assistance they need, TIP volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of Lane County.
TIP wants volunteers of all different backgrounds who can pass a background check and are interested in helping provide needed support alongside first responders. For those interested in becoming a volunteer, TIP is holding a series of spring training opportunities dubbed the TIP Training Academy. The Academy is held at Eugene Police Department, located at 300 Country Club Road in Eugene. A full list of Academy training times is available below, or on the TIP website, www.tiplanecounty.org
For more information or to sign-up for an Academy training time, please contact Bridget Byfield, Director, TIP of Lane County at bridget@tiplanecounty.org or 541-286-6416.
TIP Spring Training Academy
The Academy is held at Eugene Police Dept.
300 Country Club Road, Eugene
Thursday.......April 4..................6:30 pm -09:30 pm
Friday...........April 5..................6:00 pm -09:00 pm
Saturday.......April 6..................9:00 am -05:00 pm
Sunday..........April 7..................9:00 am -02:00 pm
Wednesday....April 10................6:00 pm -09:00 pm
Thursday.......April 11................6:00 pm -09:00 pm
Friday...........April 12................6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday.......April 13................9:00 am - 03:00 pm
The Lane County Equity Program is restarting its community advisory board and is recruiting members. The new Equity Program Advisory Board (EPAB) will help carry out the County’s three-year equity strategic plan and connect the community to those efforts. Applications are due by Monday, April 8.
“The new advisory board relies on community members who are passionate about contributing their skills and insights to this collaborative effort,” said Lane County Equity Program Analyst Shayna Higashi. “Whether people are passionate about equity, have related experience, or want to actively participate in shaping our community's future, their involvement will be invaluable.”
The EPAB will play an important role in bridging the community with the County’s initiatives by bringing together people who can help cultivate inclusive engagement and drive positive change in Lane County.
Advisory Board Details:
- Committee Name: Equity Program Advisory Board
- Purpose: Collaborate with the County Administrator and the Equity Program on the adoption and implementation of the three-year equity strategic plan.
- Meeting Schedule: At least quarterly or as needed and as determined by members.
- Applications Due: Monday, April 8, at 5:00 p.m.
- Application Form: Available online.
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In need of an easy activity for a rainy spring break day? Have your student participate in the Lane County Elections “I Voted” coloring contest!
Local students, kindergarten through college, are invited to create an “I Voted” coloring page for the Lane County Elections Office.
Four winning entries will be used to create a coloring page that will accompany ballots for the November 5, 2024 Presidential Election.
“I’m excited about this creative way for Lane County voters to celebrate voting,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “I can’t wait to see what students come up with and I hope we blow up social media in November with the colorful versions voters create.”
There are four categories for student submissions:
- Category 1: Kindergarten–5th Grade
- Category 2: 6th Grade–8th Grade
- Category 3: 9th Grade–12th Grade
- Category 4: College or vocational school students
Submissions are due by April 1, 2024 and may be provided by email, mail or in-person. All entries must be submitted on the official entry form and must be signed by a parent or guardian if the entrant is under 18 years old.
Submissions must be original artwork and on a plain white background with black outlines so voters can color the artwork in November and share on social media using #LaneCountyVotes.
The entry form and more detail about how to submit artwork can be found at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections under the “I Voted Coloring Contest” section.
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**Additional photos and video available for media use at https://ow.ly/fxOy50R0bWY **
Lane County-based Bi-Mart stores have launched a new 12-month pilot program that will provide households with a convenient and accessible way to safely recycle their batteries.
The initiative—which will effectively retrain the public on properly identifying and responsibly managing a new generation of batteries—is supported by a $6,000 grant provided by Lane County.
Project funding will help Bi-Mart train its employees on battery identification, handling, and processing; purchase containers for battery collection, storage, and safe shipping; and market program information and educational materials for its customers. The pilot program accepts many single-use batteries, including widely used button and coin cell batteries, and most rechargeable batteries.
Alkaline batteries should go in the trash.
“Recycling batteries makes a lot of business and environmental sense as batteries contain many metals needed for lithium-ion battery production— which is critical for things like electric vehicle adoption,” said Maya Buelow, Lane County waste reduction specialist. “Additionally, improper battery disposal can create health and safety risks, including fires that damage critical waste management infrastructure and put folks at risk.”
This new partnership with Bi-Mart will empower residents with educational materials that make battery recycling much easier and accessible said Michael Bassell, a buyer with Bi-Mart.
“We here at Bi-mart are proud of our 20 years being a 100 percent employee-owned company,” said Bassell. “The recent launch of our battery recycling program in Lane County is just one aspect of how we can impact the communities we serve. We look forward to growing our sustainability impact in the Pacific Northwest.”
For a list of all the participating Bi-Mart stores, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HazWaste.
About Waste Wise Lane County
WasteWise Lane County—a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/wastewise.
About Bi-Mart
Bi-Mart is a proud, Northwest-only, employee-owned membership store. The business prides itself on providing real value, every day, and being “just right” for the Northwest. Bi-Mart is pleased to announce that 2024 is its 20th anniversary of being employee owned. Learn more at www.bimart.com.
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