MONTGOMERY COUNTY RECEIVES POLLUTION PREVENTION GRANT

 HARRISBURG, AUG. 27 – A cleaner Pennsylvania begins at home, according to state Sen. Connie Williams, who applauded residents and businesses for doing their part to protect the environment by properly disposing of common hazardous household waste.

 “Household hazardous waste, such as leftover paint, paint-related products, pesticides, cleaners and degreasers seem safe enough, yet if they are not properly disposed of, they have the potential to create environmental and public health hazards,” Williams said. “By providing collection events, the county is giving residents and businesses the opportunity to properly dispose of these items, while protecting the environment.”

 To aid in pollution prevention efforts, the state Department of Environmental Protection provides grants to counties under the Pennsylvania Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Grant Program. Montgomery County was selected for a $57,869 grant under the program to reimburse 50 percent of the costs for developing and operating a household hazardous waste collection event.

 During the recent round of awards, DEP awarded grants totaling $68,279 to four counties, with Montgomery County securing the largest grant. The county held four collection events in 2004.

 For additional information on household hazardous waste collections, visit DEP’s Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, keywords “DEP Recycling.”