Neglecting Proper Disposal in Corpus Christi Can Lead to Fines or Other Serious Penalties

Admin • August 15, 2022

Some of the jobs and chores around the house will require you to use certain products that contain hazardous materials (including chemicals that are poisonous, corrosive, or flammable). Some of these products can include:

Paints
Cleaners
Stains and varnishes
Motor oil
Pesticides

The contents that are left over after they have been used are referred to as “household hazardous waste.” Many of these products have the same chemicals that are contained in industrial waste and can negatively impact the environment if they’re not disposed of properly. Unfortunately, Dawson’s does not deal with hazardous waste of any kind. There are, however, some options to properly dispose of these items in Corpus Christi.

Household Hazardous Waste — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.

Penalties for Illegal Dumping in Nueces County

Dumping illegally creates a lot of environmental hazards that can be costly to taxpayers. It costs almost $100,000 a year to clean illegally dumped trash. Not to mention, all the health and safety concerns that come with it. Illegal dumping can also create a negative image of the community, which is why prohibiting this kind of practice makes good environmental and economic sense.

The Clean Air Act of Texas was adopted in 1967 for the purpose of controlling pollution in the state, and Ordinance No. 12267 is designed for the purpose of doing the same within the City of Corpus Christi. Violating the rules outlined in this ordinance is considered illegal and can lead to a fine of up to $200 for each offense.

The city attorney also has the right to seek civil penalties in the amount of not less than $50 but no more than $1,000 for each day the violation continues. The city’s legal staff can seek prosecution by working with and through the Texas attorney general or any other legal staff that the Texas Air Control Board feels is appropriate.

Tips for Proper Disposal in Corpus Christi

Disposal services are offered to the residents of Corpus Christi free of charge at the J. C. Elliot Collection Center, and the collection of hazardous household waste is offered on a daily basis. Here are some general guidelines for properly disposing of your hazardous household waste in Corpus Christi:

The maximum container size for each item is one gallon.
Do not mix different or unknown materials together.
Bring materials in their original containers if possible.
Every effort should be made to identify the material. If you don’t know what it is, mark it as “unknown.”
While you’re transporting the materials, place it in a trunk area away from you and any passengers.
If the containers are leaking, pack it in a larger container and use an absorbent material (such as cat litter) to soak up any leaks.
Boxes with dividers make good packaging.

If you need to store these materials for a long period of time, make sure you keep them in a cool dry place. Many chemicals (especially ones that are in cardboard packaging) can absorb moisture. You also don’t want to bring any of the following items: