BOPATE event another success

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Citizens from all over Burnet County participated in BOPATE Waste Collection Day on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the county fairgrounds in Burnet.

BOPATE (batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, tires and electronics) are items not accepted by most community clean up days, but which are considered a threat to the environment, especially county groundwater.

“Overall a great success,” said County Commissioner Joe Don Dockery on Monday. “We have learned from past collection events and were able to greatly reduce the wait times for citizens. We served 188 vehicles, equating to 199 households from all over the county, since some citizens bring items for more than one household.”

The county and each of it's municipalities contributed funds. But they also sent about 50 volunteers in all. They processed 660 gallons of latex paint, 385 gallons of used oil and 50 gallons of antifreeze. A 53-foot trailer was filled with about 3,500 tires, a moving was stacked full of electronics and totals are not event complete on the batteries and metals collected.

“We want to extend a special thank you to the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District for their major donor contribution of $8,000,” said Dockery. “No grant dollars were used for the event.”

In addition to city and county support, the event tallied $944 in fees for tires that exceeded the 10-per-household limit and individual donations.