HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENTS SCHEDULED

HARRISBURG, MARCH 24 – State Sen. Connie Williams would like residents to be aware of upcoming household hazardous waste collection events that are scheduled in Montgomery and Delaware counties in the coming weeks and months.

 During these events, people may drop off unused or leftover portions of household products containing toxic chemicals, automotive products (such as motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze, kerosene, gasoline and car batteries), paint products (such as paint thinner or turpentine, paint remover, oil based paint, furniture stripper and refinisher), and other hazardous item (such as pesticides/herbicides, lighter fluids, asphalt sealers and swimming pool chemicals).

 "All of these chemicals and materials could potentially contaminate groundwater or injure waste management workers and equipment," Williams said. "I commend Delaware and Montgomery counties for scheduling these hazardous waste collection events, because it makes it very easy for homeowners to responsibly discard these items in the safest and most environmentally-friendly way."

 At some of the events, computer equipment and small electronics will also be accepted.

 Events are scheduled as follows (those events that allow for the collection of computer electronics are listed in bold):

April 19^th – Indian Valley Middle School, 130 Maple Ave., Harleysville
April 26^th – Emergency Services Training Center, 1700 Calcon Hook Rd., Darby
June 14th – Montgomery County Community College, Cathcart Entrance, Blue Bell
June 28th– Spring-Ford School District, Flex Schl. Parking Lot, 833 S. Lewis Rd., Royersford
Aug. 2 – Springfield School District, H.S. Parking Lot, Use 500 Haws Lane Entrance, Flourtown
Sept. 20^th – Covanta Delaware Valley, L.P., 2^nd and Harwick Streets, Chester
Oct. 16^h – Rose Tree Park, 1521 N. Providence Rd., Media
Oct. 25^th – Lower Merion Transfer Station, 1300 Woodbine Ave., Penn Valley

 All events are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 When bringing items for collection, people are reminded to:

• keep all products in original containers with the labels intact;

• wrap any leaking containers securely and place them in a plastic bag or garbage container;

• secure all items for transport to the collection site;

• not store items in transport near each other if there is a possibility of a chemical reaction;

• load items into the vehicle shortly before leaving for the event, so materials are not left in hot, unventilated areas for long periods of time.

 For more information about household hazardous waste collection in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of Environmental Protection Web site at www.depweb.state.pa.us.

For additional information about county collection programs:
Delaware County: www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle or call 610-892-9627
Montgomery County: www.wsaemc.org or call 610-278-3618