Portage County approves Solid Waste 'swap shop' pilot to divert household hazardous products
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Summary
The board accepted Portage County Solid Waste's proposed 'reasonable exchange' swap‑shop to let residents exchange or pick up safely stored household hazardous products; the program has Ohio EPA approval and the board voted to acknowledge implementation.
Dawn Collins, director of Portage County Solid Waste, proposed a "reasonable exchange network" during the commissioners' meeting on Jan. 12 to divert gently used household hazardous products from disposal and make them available for reuse under controlled procedures.
Collins said the program would accept items such as new cans of Rust-Oleum, latex paint and antifreeze that currently go to disposal and would place accepted products on a shelf after staff verification and a signed waiver. She said the district has discussed the idea with the prosecutor's office and health department and has approval from the Ohio EPA to pilot the program in Portage County.
"Essentially a swap shop," Collins said, describing the model where residents can bring something to share or come take what they need after safety screening and agreement to a waiver. Commissioners asked about safeguards (age verification, waivers) and whether prior programs exist elsewhere; Collins cited examples in other states and said staffing and safety procedures are part of the plan.
Commissioner (motion) moved to acknowledge and accept implementation of the swap-shop program; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call (Jill: yes; Sabrina: yes; Mike: yes). The board recorded formal acceptance so staff can proceed with implementation steps.
What's next: Solid Waste staff will proceed with program setup, signage and operational procedures under Ohio EPA guidance and report implementation details back to commissioners.
