);
Connect with us

Community

Gwinnett County’s First Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Set for February 11

Published

on

Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and the Department of Water Resources to host an environmentally focused community event — Volunteers needed!

In February, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful (GC&B), with its partners at Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (DWR), will provide a free opportunity for its neighbors throughout the county to drop off household hazardous waste for recycling or proper disposal.

The first Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day of 2023 will take place Saturday, February 11 at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

As a result of the biannual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days in 2022, 1,422 Gwinnettians decluttered their homes while diverting 161,874 pounds of hazardous materials from local landfills. A bigger turnout is predicted for this year.

Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Looking for volunteers

“To help ensure a smooth event, we’re seeking an additional 50 volunteers,” said Schelly Marlatt, Executive Director for GC&B. “We only have a four-hour window to collect materials from hundreds of cars, so this is a ‘the more, the merrier’ scenario.”

She added that it’s a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors, meet other people who have a heart for the environment, fulfill volunteer hours for school and club commitments, and do something good for the community.

“Volunteers will help direct traffic, be assigned a station to help haul materials from vehicles, break down boxes, and more. It’s easy but rewarding work,” she said.

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds will play host to February's HHW Event
Volunteers at Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Marlatt explained that when people throw household hazardous materials in the trash, it winds up in the landfill and could leech into the soil, contaminating groundwater and the environment. The dangerous combination of some of those materials during the disposal process could even lead to a chemical reaction resulting in a fire or explosion.

“It might not seem like it at the moment when our volunteers are collecting items from the trunks and backseats of our attendees’ cars, but we’re saving the planet — one pesticide, paint can, and propane cylinder at a time!” she said.

To sign on as a volunteer for this and future events, Marlatt encourages interested individuals and groups to visit Volunteer Gwinnett.

Hazardous Waste Collection Day info

Attendees are permitted to bring up to five containers of household waste. Containers must be the size of a copy paper box or laundry basket, and — since they cannot be returned once removed from the car — disposable containers are recommended.

Acceptable items for collection include:

  • Aerosol/spray pesticides
  • Automotive products (engine degreaser, brake fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, etc.)
  • Cleaners, corrosives, spot removers, acids, and bases
  • Aerosol/spray paint
  • Auto batteries
  • Batteries (household and rechargeable)
  • Chlorinated solvents
  • Cooking oil and grease
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Flammables (lighter fluid and waste fuels (kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.)
  • Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts
  • Insecticides
  • Latex and water-based paints
  • Lawn care products
  • Mercury
  • Mercury salts and elemental mercury thermometers
  • Oil-based paint and stains
  • Oxidizers
  • Pesticides
  • Poisons
  • Propane cylinders
  • Solvents and varnishes
  • Thermostats and other mercury-containing items
  • Thinners and paint strippers
  • Weed killer
  • Wood preservatives

“While we traditionally collect items like tires, electronics, and paper for shredding at other annual recycling events like Earth Day and America Recycles Day, we will not have the capacity to accept those items at our Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day,” added Marlatt.

She suggested that attendees plan to bring their tires, and electronic and paper items to GC&B’s Earth Day Recycling Event at Coolray Field on April 22.

Items that will NOT be collected during the Feb. 11 event include:

  • Ammunition
  • Radioactive waste
  • Pharmaceuticals, and
  • Biomedical/biohazard waste.

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds is located at 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy. in Lawrenceville. Volunteers are asked to report at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.

Questions about February’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day can be directed to Program Coordinator, Stephanie Marquardt at 770-822-5187 or gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org.

Continue Reading

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

on

Mayor Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners, wearing a white button up shirt and blue blazer

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

Continue Reading

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

on

Logo for City of Peachtree Corners. Used in announcement of scheduled maintenance and repairs on Town Center parking deck.

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

Continue Reading

City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Published

on

Curiosity Lab 5K Run/Walk logo

The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event

Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.

In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.

The Charity 5K Run/Walk

Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated. 

While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.

Registration for the 5K is open now.

Curiosity Lab Criterium

Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.

Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race.
photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.

The details

The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.

Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners

Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.

Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

Continue Reading

Read the Digital Edition

Subscribe

Keep Up With Peachtree Corners News

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Peachtree Corners Life

Topics and Categories

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Mighty Rockets LLC, powered by WordPress.

Get Weekly Updates!

Get Weekly Updates!

Don't miss out on the latest news, updates, and stories about Peachtree Corners.

Check out our podcasts: Peachtree Corners Life, Capitalist Sage and the Ed Hour

You have Successfully Subscribed!