LAPLACE — Final results were released this week following the 17th Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day, held April 18 in LaPlace and Luling.

The final tally totals 75,349 pounds of material collected to recycle, dispose and treat.

The event has been held annually since 1998 to provide area households an opportunity to properly dispose or recycle materials that are inappropriate for curbside pickup.

Materials such as solvents, poisons, used oil, electronics and corrosives require special handling to minimize safety and environmental impact.

More than 20 area manufacturers sponsored the event, providing funding and volunteers.

Of the 75,349 pounds of materials collected, 87 percent were recycled or recovered. Of the 75,349 pounds, 4,950 pounds were oil/antifreeze, 3,449 pounds were batteries and latex paint totaled 10,000 pounds.

Used electronics accounted for 19,029 pounds, while 5,780 pounds was scrap metal.

The two sites this year included assistance from 71 volunteers, who serviced drop-offs from 523 vehicles.

Log onto hhmcd.com for additional information and photographs.