By 1808Delaware
There’s a certain moment every spring when the garage, basement, or back closet finally demands attention. Paint cans you forgot about. An old television that hasn’t worked in years. A box of mystery chemicals you’ve been meaning to deal with “someday.” In 2026, that “someday” has a clear schedule.
The Delaware, Knox, Marion, and Morrow solid waste district is rolling out a full season of collection options that are practical, predictable, and—importantly—accessible to residents across all four counties. The structure is simple: scheduled drop-offs for those who like to plan ahead, plus a pair of no-appointment events for those who just want to load the car and go.
A System Built for Real Life
From April through September, residents can schedule drop-off appointments on a rotating weekly basis. Delaware County hosts collections on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, while Knox County takes the 2nd Wednesdays.
This is a smart operational choice. It spreads demand across the region, reduces bottlenecks, and gives people multiple chances to participate without overwhelming a single site.
The cost structure is also straightforward. Expect to pay $20 per car for household hazardous waste. Televisions and CRT monitors are also $20 each, while most other electronics are accepted at no charge. That pricing model strikes a balance. It discourages abuse of the system without becoming a barrier for typical households. In practical terms, most people can clean out a significant amount of material for a modest cost.
Two Dates Worth Putting on Your Calendar
If scheduling an appointment feels like one step too many, there are two no-appointment events that simplify everything.
The first takes place on Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Marion County Fairgrounds. This event focuses on household hazardous waste and operates on a flat $20 per car fee, cash only.
Two weeks later, on Saturday, June 27, also from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Delaware County Fairgrounds hosts an electronics collection event. The same $20 fee applies to televisions and CRT monitors, while other electronics are accepted for free.
There is one important caveat for the June 27 event. It runs until 1:00 PM or until the truck is full. That means timing matters. If you show up at 12:45 PM with a full load, you are taking a gamble.
What This Really Means for Residents
Programs like this often get overlooked, but they solve a real problem. Hazardous materials do not belong in regular trash streams, and electronics are increasingly difficult to dispose of responsibly. Without structured options, people either hold onto these items indefinitely or dispose of them improperly. Neither outcome is good for households or communities
A Practical Recommendation
If you want the smoothest experience, schedule an appointment early in the season and treat it like a small project. Walk your space once, gather everything, and make a single trip. If you prefer flexibility, aim for the June events but go early. Think 9:00 AM, not 12:30 PM. These events tend to fill quickly, and the “until the truck is full” detail is not just a formality.
Either way, the opportunity is there. The only real mistake is letting another year pass with those same items sitting on the shelf.
Photo: Creative Commons License
