Month: September 2018

Westport, CT – Public Works Director Peter Ratkiewich announced that the town will host its Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Westport/Weston Health District, 180 Bayberry Lane. Collection will occur RAIN OR SHINE.

Westport’s Annual Household Hazardous Waste Day is a NO CHARGE regional program for residents of Westport, Weston, Greenwich, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan & Wilton, designed to provide a safe option to keep Household Hazardous Waste out of the municipal solid waste stream and protect our land and water from potential contamination.

 

Many of the items used around the house on a daily basis are considered to be household hazardous waste because they may contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients.  Products such as cleaners, gasoline and pesticides can pollute the environment and jeopardize public health when they are disposed of improperly and enter our groundwater or the solid waste stream.

 

Before bringing hazardous household items to the collection site:

• Make sure they are clearly labeled and NEVER MIX CHEMICALS.  Incompatible products may react, ignite or explode, and mixed waste may not be recyclable.
• Keep products in original labeled container, securely closed.
• Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
• Tighten lids of all containers and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with newspaper.
• Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers.
• Leave pets and children at home when bringing hazardous materials for collection.
• Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site.
• Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.

 

Oil & Latex paints, primers, stains, sealers, varnishes and shellacs WILL NOT be accepted from Westport residents at Household Hazardous Waste Day. These items can now be recycled at the Westport Transfer Station & Recycling Center located at 300 Sherwood Island Connector, 6 days a week – Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 2:30 pm,

Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 pm.  Antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, smoke detectors and electronics may also be recycled at the Transfer and Recycling Center.

 

Public Works Department officials outlined areas of a household and the types of typical chemicals that may be found as follows:

 

Garage:  aerosol spray cans, auto & marine paints, mineral spirits, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, turpentine, wood preservatives, fiberglass resins, rubber cement, engine degreasers, brake & transmission fluids, carburetor cleaner, car wax, gasoline, kerosene, roof patch & repair, driveway sealer, creosote, swimming pool chemicals, charcoal lighter.

 

Garden shed:  weed killers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, etc.

 

General household:  bleach, cleaning chemicals, toilet & drain cleaners, flammable liquids, floor & furniture polish, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, rug shampoos, spot removers, photo chemicals, art & hobby supplies, artists paints, etc.

 

The following items are NOT acceptable:  ammunition, flares, commercial hazardous waste, or propane tanks. 

 

If you have any questions, contact the Westport Public Works Department at 203-341-1793.

 

This press release is made possible by: