Baldwin’s Blessing of the Bikes
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
Photo by JP Valeri on Unsplash.com
Annually held the third Saturday in August from 9am-1pm, in cooperation with the Michigan Water Stewardship Clean Sweep Program, this service is provided to the residents of Manistee, Mason & Oceana counties. It is made possible by contributions of the three counties, townships, villages & cities, Occidental Chemical Corp., plus other organizations and local governmental entities.
Participation is free, but a suggested minimum donation of $5 is greatly appreciated. Please drop off hazardous waste at collection sites only during scheduled hours! We have no means of disposal at any other time. In Mason County there will be two lines–one for general hazardous waste and a separate line for electronics. If you have both, you will have to go through both lines.
If hazardous wastes are disposed of incorrectly, they can cause environmental damage by contaminating ground and surface waters, threatening human health and wildlife. Disposing of these products in storm drains allows these materials to enter surface waters untreated. Pouring on the ground leads to potential groundwater (drinking water) contamination. These wastes should not be thrown in the trash; liquid wastes are not allowed in Michigan landfills. The dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, but certain types of household hazardous waste have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers; contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains and toilets; and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house. Please use a product completely, give the remainder to neighbors, or take it to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site during collection hours. Empty containers can be disposed of in normal household trash.
Watch for the following signal words:
Who can use the program?
Any Michigan homeowner, farm owner, greenhouse, nursery, golf course or other user of pesticides can use this service. All Conservation District programs and services are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or disability.
What can I bring and how much?
Old unwanted, out of date or unusable pesticides can be dropped off for safe disposal.
Bring whatever you have.
What’s the catch?
There is no catch. Clean Sweep is a good deal for you. There is no red tape and all information is kept strictly confidential.
Note to Agricultural Producers:
Empty out those old pesticides and fertilizers that you won’t be using. This is a good time to dispose of these products, participation is free.
Tips for safe transport of hazardous materials:
Small freon containing appliances (mini fridges, window AC units) will be accepted for a $20 charge. Large freon appliances can be taken to Padnos free of charge: (231) 845-0241.
Oceana County
Hart Dept. Public Works
1010 State St.
Hart, MI 49420
Mason County
Mason County Road Commission
510 E. State St. (US-10)
Scottville, MI 49454
Manistee County
Manistee Road Commission
8946 Chippewa Highway
Bear Lake, MI 49614
If you would like to volunteer to help at the collection, please call one of our offices, we may have a job for you!
Not to worry! There are organizations that take some items throughout the year. They include:
Oceana Conservation District
1064 Industrial Park Drive
Shelby, MI 49455
(231) 861-4967, oceanaconservationdistrict.org
Mason-Lake Conservation District
655 N. Scottville Rd.
Scottville, MI 49454
(231) 757-3708 ext 3, mason-lakeconservation.org
Manistee Conservation District
8840 Chippewa Highway
Bear Lake, MI 49614
(231) 889-4761, manisteecd.org
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
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