Area Earth Day events

#Middlebury #EarthDay

Area Earth Day events on Saturday, April 21, include Household Hazardous Waste Day in Middlebury, a Flanders Nature Center Earth Day hike, an Earth Day story time at the Southbury Public Library, and an Earth Day Celebration in Hollow Park in Woodbury.

Middlebury’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Paint Collection Saturday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury is open to residents of Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, and Woodbury. There is no need to line up before 8 a.m.

There is no charge to residents of these towns. 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 any 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. 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 now bring latex (water-based) paint to the collection event. While not considered hazardous waste, the latex paint will be accepted as part of a new statewide paint product stewardship program.

Examples of wastes that will be accepted include: 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, grease and rust solvents, aerosols, and metal polishes.

Items that will not be accepted include: No auto batteries, No motor oil, No propane tanks, 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, and No 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 further information, please contact your town representative listed here: Beacon Falls: 203-729-6978, Public Works Garage; Bethlehem: 203-266-7677, Town Hall; Middlebury: 203-577-4170, Daniel Norton; Naugatuck: 203-720-7071, Public Works; Oxford: 203-888-7716, Wayne Watt; Southbury: 203-262-0622, Jeannette Kilcourse; Thomaston: 860-283-4030, Glenn Clark;Waterbury: 203-574-6857, Bureau of Refuse; Watertown: 860-945-5240, Roy Cavanaugh; Woodbury: 203-263-3633, Margaret Warner.

Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury invites the public to celebrate Earth Day Saturday, April 21, at 9 a.m., with a hike through the beautiful and historic Flanders’ Van Vleck Sanctuary. Naturalist Dr. Edward Boisits will lead a leisurely Earth Day walk, pointing out the signs that signify the change of the season. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with fresh air, camaraderie and exercise in a lovely Flanders environment? This walk is suitable for all ages and hiking levels.

The group will meet in the Sugar House parking lot, which is a quarter mile up from the intersection of Flanders and Church Hill Road. There is no charge for the walk, but donations are welcome. Those interested are asked to register online at www.flandersnaturecenter.org or call 203-263-3711, ext. 10 for more information.

The Southbury Public Library will celebrate Earth Day Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m. in an event for all ages that will feature stories and songs about our blue planet and crafts using recycled materials. Watch short animated adaptions of favorite children’s books. Bring a bag lunch. Fruit, dessert, and drinks will be provided.

Registration is required for all programs. Please call 203-262-0626, ext. 3, for information.

The 23rd annual Woodbury Earth Day celebration, sponsored by the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition will be held Saturday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hollow Park in Woodbury. This FREE celebration will host 130 vendors and is expected to draw 6,000 guests. Enjoy food trucks, a kids’ activities tent, activities and demonstrations along with live music.

One of the exhibitors, Pedego SoNo sent this newspaper a press release to let us know they would be demonstrating their electric bikes at the event and letting people try them out. It says in part, “E-bikes help people of all ages stay more active by giving them the freedom to pedal normally and get power when they want it. Pedal Assist is wonderful for long rides because you can just relax and enjoy the ride.” Read more at www.PedegoSoNo.com.

Find more information on the event at www.woodburyearthday.org.