Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
As residents of Kosciusko County prepare for Litter Clean-Up Days this weekend, it is important to remember some waste has the potential to be dangerous.
Many times makers of methamphetamine choose to dispose of their used paraphernalia by throwing it in a ditch or leaving it in a field or wooded area.
Unfortunately, the by-products of making methamphetamine are toxic and potentially dangerous to innocent people who may come in contact with them.
Two common things people should look out for as they clean up along road sides are propane tanks and empty soft drink bottles with hoses coming out the top.
The propane tanks are used by meth manufacturers to transport anhydrous ammonia, an explosive volatile liquid chemical that burns skin on contact. Turquoise stains coming from the valve on the outside of the container are a telltale sign that the tank has been used to make meth. The anhydrous ammonia reacts with the brass in the valve, weakening it and causing it to leak.
According to Mike Speigle of the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force, propane tanks are the most common containers found, but fire extinguishers, oxygen tanks and coolers also have been found with anhydrous ammonia.
"If you find one, don't move it," Speigle said. "Leave it where it's at and call the (Kosciusko County) Sheriff's Department and give the location. The drug task force will come take care of it."
If someone finds a soft drink bottle with a hole in the top or a hose coming out of the top, it is most likely an HCl generator. Meth makers use the bottles to produce hydrochloric acid necessary in the production of the drug.
The discarded HCl generators usually contain salt and muratic acid along with the hydrochloric acid.
"If (the bottle) is smoking, get away from it," said Speigle. "Do not touch it, it is very dangerous."
The hydrochloric acid and anhydrous ammonia found in the discarded materials can cause serious injuries.
"Anhydrous ammonia and hydrochloric acid can burn you, and if you get in in your lungs, it can collapse your lungs," Speigle said, adding that the anhydrous ammonia can explode if not handled properly. "It can kill you."
People picking up waste along the side of the road also may find other discarded materials related to the manufacture of meth. Many times pseudoephedrine wrappers, salt containers, coffee filters and stripped lithium batteries will be wrapped and discarded together. While these things are not volatile or explosive, they are signs that someone has made meth and the drug task force would like to be informed.
While cleaning up, people may also find used syringes along the side of Kosciusko County roads. Speigle said syringes should be discarded in a biohazardous container. If one is not available, then a local heath agency should be contacted to properly dispose of the syringes, which can pose a health risk.
