The Schenectady County Legislature has announced the 2012 Schenectady County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, which allows residents dispose of unwanted hazardous chemicals from around their homes.
Residents can bring chemicals to the Schenectady County Composting and Recycling Facility at 24 Hetcheltown Road, which allows for a safe and environmentally conscience disposal. The first collection event is Wednesday, April 18. Due to limited space pre-registration is required by registering online at www.SchenectadyCounty.com/HHW or by calling the County Department of Economic Development and Planning at 386-2225 on Tuesdays or Fridays.
“Schenectady County is committed to providing our residents with a way to safely dispose of these materials in an environmentally friendly way that reduces the risk of exposure to children, pets and our neighbors,” said Judy Dagostino, chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “I encourage all residents to look around their homes, collect any unwanted hazardous household chemicals and utilize this great service.”
The program is available only to county residents with a valid County Composting and Recycling Facility Permit, which can be purchased for $20 (valid for the calendar year) at the Schenectady County Composting and Recycling Facility or from the Schenectady County Finance Department located in the County Office Building at 620 State St. in Schenectady. Payment must be in cash and vehicle registration must be shown at the time of purchase. The permit allows the holder to utilize the Household Hazardous Waste Program as well as the Yard Waste Collection Program and any other aspect of the County Composting and Recycling Program.
This year’s collection dates are:
- Wednesday, April 18, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, May 6, 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, June 16, 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, July 28, 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, Sept. 22, 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to noon
- November dates to be announced
Acceptable items include used or unwanted fluorescent tubes up to 4 feet long, unwanted paints, solvents, household cleaners, drain decloggers, lawn and garden chemicals, automobile fluids (except motor oil), pool chemicals, photo chemicals and a variety of other hazardous chemicals found around the house.
The HHW collection does not accept used motor oil, computer or other electronic components, medical waste, smoke detectors, grill sized propane cylinders, compact fluorescent and other light bulb, firearms, explosives, ammunition, asbestos or any empty cans or containers. Visit the county’s website at www.schenectadycounty.com/hhw to find out how to recycle such items.
Only material from residential households will be accepted. No waste from commercial, industrial, institutional, or non-profits will be accepted. Schenectady County sponsors a separate program for small businesses and non-profits. For more information on this program call 386-2225.
