Vernon Haz, Yard Waste Disposal Outlined

VERNON, CT — Here are two spring cleanup events for Vernon residents:

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DATES FOR 2017

Vernon residents may dispose of hazardous waste on the following collection dates: June 3, August 26,September 30 and October 28. All collection dates are Saturdays and will be held from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Manchester Landfill located on Olcott Street. In addition, an outreach collection will be held onSaturday, October 14, at Somers High School, Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT.

The drop-off is free to Vernon residents but the Town is billed approximately $45 per participating vehicle, therefore, it is requested that residents bring as many hazardous materials as possible to the collection site, possibly carpooling with neighbors.

The following items will not be accepted: latex or oil-based paints, alkaline batteries, asbestos, smoke detectors, compressed gas cylinders, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, and fire extinguishers. Motor oil and antifreeze may be disposed of at the Transfer Station at no charge to Vernon residents. Latex or oil-based paints may be brought to Sherwin Williams located at 100 Tolland Turnpike (Rt. 83). They will accept up to 5 gallons per day free of charge providing cans are labelled, sealed and non-leaking.

DISPOSAL OF YARD WASTE & GRASS CLIPPINGS

Yard Waste - Yard waste is not collected curbside and cannot be disposed of in either the refuse or recycling carts. Residents are allowed to bring small amounts of brush as well as one bag of tree trimmings, twigs, weeds, pinecones and pine needles to the Transfer Station on a weekly basis. Larger amounts of yard waste will require a permit and punchcard.

Grass Clippings - Under the State Public Act #98-99 (effective January 1, 1999), grass clippings are no longer accepted at any resource recovery facility or solid waste facility in Connecticut. The Department of Environmental Protection suggests that residents recycle or compost their grass clippings. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn reduces watering, thatching, and applying fertilizers. Composting is layering various vegetative wastes, including the grass clippings, kitchen scraps and other yard trimmings in home compost bins to produce mulch, which can be used in gardens and around shrubs.

Leaf Bins - Bins are for leaves only. No grass clippings or brush are allowed. Contamination caused by disposal of any other type of yard waste or debris will result in the area being shut down. Please remove the container used to transport leaves. Plastic bags can be left in the trash barrel provided. Lawn-sized paper bags are recyclable and do not need to be emptied. The Nye Street Firehouse bin will be open for spring cleanup.

Mulch - This is available to Vernon residents free of charge. Proof of residency is required. A permit and punchard are not required. The Public Works Department will deliver 4 cubic yards of mulch (if available) for $60.

Residents can call the public works office at 860-870-3500 for more information.

Photo Credit: Patch File