SBCoFD OFM’s Household Hazardous Waste Program Brings Home the “Bill Lewry Safety and Outstanding Service to Our Industry” Awards
On July 19, 2022, the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) awarded the “Bill Lewry Safety” award to the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCoFD) Office of the Fire Marshal’s (OFM) Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) section. Additionally, Michael VanGese was recognized with the “Outstanding Service to Our Industry” award for his 23 years of service. These awards recognize inspirational people and exceptional programs and policies who have made a difference in protecting the environment and pollution prevention.
NAHMMA is a non-profit organization dedicated to pollution prevention and reducing hazardous waste. They recognized the HHW section’s outstanding safety awareness by being proactive when residents brought explosives to the facility. Typical household hazardous wastes that are collected daily include flammables, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, sharps, and electronic waste. In some instances, dangerous and explosive items have been unknowingly brought to HHW facilities. In 2021, explosive materials were brought to a HHW facility by a participant who was cleaning out her father’s garage. With the experience and knowledge of the San Bernardino County HHW technicians, without unloading the car, they were able to identify explosive materials which included a detonator, fuses, and blasting caps. The participant was pulled off to the side and the bomb squad was contacted. The bomb squad properly disposed of the explosives. This is just one example where San Bernardino County HHW Technicians’ knowledge, experience and adherence to safety precautions allowed for the successful management of dangerous hazardous waste items.
NAHMMA also recognized Michael VanGese for his outstanding service to the industry. Michael has been with the HHW program since 1999 and has been an asset to the program for 23 years. The Program relies on Michael’s expertise in daily operations such as packing & disposal of HHW and coordinating temporary HHW collections. Michael demonstrates a high level of competency and knowledge in HHW operations.
“We are extremely proud of our Household Hazardous Waste team and their vigilant commitment to safety,” said Interim Fire Marshal Monica Ronchetti. “Our 14 permanent collection sites throughout the county help residents safely dispose of household hazardous waste that would otherwise pollute the environment. The Bill Lewry Safety award highlights our team’s dedication to safety by providing safe and efficient hazardous waste management services.”
For more information regarding the HHW Program or to find a list of permanent collection locations, please visit https://www.sbcfire.org/hww
