Safely dispose of hazardous waste tomorrow

#Middlebury #HazardousWaste

Staff unload hazardous waste items at the collection site in Ansonia in April 2022. The July collection site is in Bethlehem. (NVCOG photo)

Do you have paints, cleaners and other chemicals you need to dispose of? The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments and participating towns will hold a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Paint Collection Day Saturday, July 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Elementary School at 92 East St. in Bethlehem. It is free to residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Derby, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott and Woodbury. There is no need to line up before 8 a.m.

Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, tax bill, or other identification, is required for entrance. The event is sponsored by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments and participating towns.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, protocols in effect at the event include:

• Residents disposing of materials must wear a mask and remain in their vehicle
• Only one family member per vehicle
• Collection materials for disposal must be placed in the rear compartment of vehicle, not passenger compartment.
• Containers will not be returned (No “pour offs”)

Household hazardous wastes are wastes produced in the home that are poisonous, flammable, reactive, or corrosive. These wastes are harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.

Waste that will be accepted includes oil- and latex-based paints and stains, thermometers and thermostats containing mercury, drain and oven cleaners, upholstery cleaners, wood cleaners, strippers and varnishes, pesticides, poisons, pool and photo chemicals, automotive cleaners and fluids (excluding motor oil), grease and rust solvents, aerosols, and metal polishes.

Items that will not be accepted include auto batteries, motor oil, 20-lb. propane tanks, compressed gas cylinders, asbestos, smoke detectors, explosives, radioactive or medical waste, grout, joint compound, lead paint chips, and empty containers of any kind. The contractor reserves the right to reject additional materials.

Up to 50 lbs. of residential waste will be accepted per vehicle. Residents should leave materials in the original container whenever possible. When arriving at the collection site, residents are asked to stay in their cars at all times. Trained waste handlers will remove materials from the cars.

Unacceptable materials will be returned or left in the vehicle and information will be provided on how to dispose of them. For more information, please contact hhw@nvcogct.gov call 203-757-0535.