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Household hazardous waste event a success in West Monroe

West Monroe, LA – March 15, 2025 – The Household Hazardous Waste Event held on March 15, 2025, at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe was a resounding success, with residents of Ouachita Parish coming together to responsibly dispose of a wide range of household items, from hazardous materials to electronic waste. Because of tornado watches and lightening strikes, the event was postponed to 1:00 PM to 3:00PM. This event is aimed to provide a safe and environmentally friendly way to get rid of potentially harmful substances, while also promoting recycling efforts throughout the community.

In total, the event saw 100,905 pounds of various materials collected, demonstrating the strong commitment of residents to keep their community clean and green. The event included multiple stations for different types of waste, ensuring that each item was handled properly and efficiently. The largest weight in items come from paints, electronic waste, scrap metal, batteries and tires.

This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of several local organizations and sponsors, including:

- Ouachita Parish Police Jury
- City of Monroe
- City of West Monroe
- Keep Louisiana Beautiful
- Advancion
- Monroe Garden Club
- Daniel Appliance & Furniture

“We are incredibly proud of the strong turnout, volunteers and the collective effort of our community members,” said Sheila Kay Downhour, Executive Director of Ouachita Green. “The Household Hazardous Waste Event not only provided a safe outlet for residents to dispose of their hazardous items but also fostered a greater sense of environmental responsibility. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers and partners, and we look forward to continuing these efforts in the future.”

By offering this essential service, the event helped reduce the environmental impact of waste in the community, ensuring hazardous materials were disposed of in a safe and sustainable manner. The success of the event highlights the ongoing commitment of local residents and organizations to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices in Ouachita Parish.

A native of West Monroe, Lexi is a junior at the University of Louisiana Monroe where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in communications.