- September 16, 2026
Dear Editor:
I read with much consternation the Observer article about Flagler County closing the Hazardous Waste site at 1700 S. Old Kings Road.
This is a budget cut to save a little money? What, with the county spending inordinate amounts of tax dollars across several spectrums of unnecessary projects, they are closing the only place in Flagler County where residents can properly dispose of hazardous materials – without incurring charges? What does that tell the average educated person?
If you do that, the lower income people will most likely start disposing hazardous materials improperly. Like, duh, right?
When I opened my email for the Observer (Oct. 26), at the same time I saw the article titled: “Flagler County to close Household Hazardous Waste site, WastePro will accept hazardous waste – at residents’ cost at Bunnell facility,” I also saw the headline directly underneath titled: “Volusia County Addresses Illegal Dumping.” What incredible timing!
This is just so irresponsible that it defies a rational explanation.
Just think about it. When people who struggle to pay their bills need to pay to dispose of old tires, those tires will most likely end up on vacant lots. Oils, paints, solvents will probably go into the soil. Light bulbs, batteries, and everything else will just be dumped in their bi-weekly garbage pickup.
I’m not saying that inappropriate disposal isn’t happening now — but this will only result in a substantial increase.
If you must close the Old Kings Road facility, at least subsidize the documented costs associated for the Flagler County residents who use Waste Pro to dispose of their hazardous waste — so that it doesn’t end up in our sensitive environment.
Marc Stevenson
Palm Coast
