County Executive, Mayor Opening Acts for “Heavy Metal Days”

August 12, 2008
Joshua Wescott, (608) 267-8823 (County Executive) Rachel Strauch-Nelson (608) 266-4611 (Mayor)
County Executive

Clean Sweep Launches First of its Kind Lead, Mercury Collection Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz today urged people to take advantage of a special collection by the Clean Sweep program this week that aims to reduce environmental damage done by heavy metals like lead and mercury. The appropriately named “Heavy Metal Days” run August 12th, 13th, 15th, and 16th at the Madison/Dane County Clean Sweep site at 2302 Fish Hatchery Road in Madison. “The harm done by mercury and lead when they get in our lakes and rivers is significant and avoidable; that’s why this special collection is so important,” Falk said. “This is a great opportunity to reduce the damage that can be done to our beautiful waterways by common, household goods like thermometers.” During “Heavy Metal Days,” people are encouraged to bring in mercury thermometers, thermostat switches, and compact fluorescent light bulbs in addition to products containing lead like lead fishing tackle and lead shot used in hunting. This collection is the first special promotion hosted by Madison/Dane County Clean Sweep to specifically target products with lead. “Heavy Metal Days is a great opportunity for citizens to directly reduce environmental damage and protect our lakes and rivers,” Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. “Through this collection, the public is taking action to preserve our waterways and prevent damage by lead and mercury.” In addition to reducing the number of lead and mercury products that pollute the environment and poison wildlife, people who bring in these items will also benefit from free giveaways. Lead-free fishing tackle samples will be offered to the first 200 customers and mercury free thermometers are available to the first 100 participants who bring in mercury thermometers. Clean Sweep is opened from May 2nd through October 31 for the 2008 season. Hours are 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. More information about Clean Sweep is available at: www.danecountycleansweep.com or by calling (608) 243-0368. ####