The Catawba County Waste Education Center has been constructed in a modular building located at the Blackburn Landfill on Rocky Ford Road, Newton.

DIRECTIONS: Highway 321, exit 37 to Highway 10 West, 1½ mile turn left on Hickory-Lincolnton Highway, ¾ mile turn left on Rocky Ford Road, ½ mile on right.

The Catawba County Waste Education Center helps us show citizens across the county, particularly school students, what household hazardous wastes are and the proper ways to handle all types of household wastes. The facility opened in early December, 1997, and numerous groups have stopped by and looked at the many things on display.

The Waste Education Center features a number of displays and interactive learning opportunities, including...

• A "hands on" section with games and mazes, "create your own trash" art, a "quizzer" about non-point source pollution, and a water model challenging all ages to learn where hazardous household wastes go when they are improperly disposed.
• Posters demonstrating effects of waste on ground water.
• A special audio-visual area with a VCR and television screen where guests may watch videos on household hazardous wastes and other waste related topics.
• Brochures and booklets for those who want to know more.

The Catawba County Solid Waste Staff is working hard to educate the public how to properly dispose of these wastes, which may include detergents, cleansers, paint, turpentine, oven cleaners, pesticides, used motor oils, gasoline, bleach and batteries. The biggest problem occurs when someone improperly disposes of the waste product by throwing it in the trash, pouring it in a ditch or burying it in a vacant lot. Ground water can then be threatened.

The Education Center is not equipped to accept household hazardous waste. Catawba County Government co-sponsors bi-annual collection day events.

The Center is open by appointment only. Groups should contact Amanda Kain, Waste Reduction Coordinator/Educator, at 828/465-8217 or email amandak@catawbacountync.gov to schedule visits, special programs and activities.