The hazardous waste collection site that was supposed to be open on Incinerator Road for about three weeks closed after only a week and a half.

After the Picayune Item received numerous phone calls from citizens interested in bringing a number of hazardous substances to the site for disposal, but could not find the site, a call was made to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

MDEQ Public Information Officer Robbie Wilbur said the site closed after only a week and a half of operation due to low turnout.

Pearl River County Fire Marshal Albert Lee said he has been in discussions with MDEQ to reopen the site, or even come to some other solution, since so many people now have hazardous substances to get rid of.

The initial release from MDEQ, sent out on Sept. 14, and which ran in the Item on Sept. 27, states the site was collecting gasoline, antifreeze, paints, stains, thinners, kerosene, propane, oils, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, furniture polish, pool chemicals, thermostats, light ballasts, ant and roach sprays, wasp and hornet sprays and lawn fertilizers, according to a release from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

“It is anticipated the site will be open for approximately three weeks,” the release stated. “MDEQ will work with local officials to determine if additional collection services for HHW will be needed in high impact areas of the county or cities.”

Lee said if he hears of another waste collection site he will announce it in the Item.