Benton County Rural Amnesty Days Returns This Saturday in Foley

(KNSI) – Benton County residents looking to clear out unwanted junk have a chance to do it this weekend.

The county’s Rural Amnesty Days event runs is Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Benton County Public Works (Highway Department) building, located at 7752 Highway 25 Northeast in Foley.

Organizers say the event is popular and drivers should expect delays. For traffic safety, residents are asked not to arrive before 6:30 a.m.

A wide range of items will be accepted, many of them at no charge. Each residence can drop off one appliance for free, with additional units costing $30 each. The same one-free, $30-per-additional structure applies to televisions and computers. Residents can also bring one piece of furniture for free, such as a mattress, box spring, couch or chair, with extra pieces running $5 apiece.

Tires are accepted for auto and light trucks only, and they must be off the rim. Each vehicle can drop off eight tires for free, with additional ones costing $3 each up to a maximum of 16 per vehicle. Tractor tires are $15 each, with a limit of four per vehicle.

Motor vehicle batteries and scrap metal are accepted free of charge, though bike frames and tire rims must have the tires and tubes removed, and any motors must have the gas and oil drained first. Demolition waste such as wood and building debris is accepted at one cubic yard free per residence, with additional material at $5 per cubic yard.

Officials are stressing that crews will not be accepting large, heavy items. If equipment or multiple people are needed to load something, residents are asked to leave it at home.

A number of materials are off the list entirely, including household garbage, yard waste, hazardous waste, paints and stains, poisons and pesticides, oil and oil filters, fluorescent bulbs, pressurized tanks, recyclables, whole vehicle hulks and tires still on their rims.

Site personnel have the final say on pricing and what items are acceptable. Residents with questions about disposal options can call Benton County Planning and Zoning at 320-968-5065. The county notes a second amnesty event is already on the calendar for September 12th.

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