Safely dispose of hazardous waste

#MiddleburyCT #HouseholdHazardousWaste

A Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wolcott Public Works facility at 48 Todd Road in Wolcott. 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.

Household hazardous wastes are wastes produced in the home that are poisonous, flammable, reactive, or corrosive. They are harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. The goal of the program is to keep potentially hazardous waste out of local landfills and sewers, providing extra protection for wetlands and waterways. In addition, residents may bring latex (water-based) paint to the collection event. While not considered hazardous waste, the latex paint will be accepted as part of a statewide paint product stewardship program.

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 and poisons; pool and photo chemicals;, automotive cleaners and fluids (including motor oil); grease and rust solvents; aerosol containers containing a chemical; and metal polishes.

Items that will not be accepted (with “No” included for emphasis) include: No tires, No auto batteries, No propane tanks exceeding 1 lb., No compressed gas cylinders, No asbestos, No smoke detectors, No explosives, No radioactive or medical waste, No grout, No joint compound, No lead paint chips, No empty containers of any kind, and no food-grade aerosol containers, spray paint and empty aerosols 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 call 475-689-3032.