Westport Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day This Weekend

WESTPORT, CT – The town will host its annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, at the Westport/Weston Health District, 180 Bayberry Lane, officials announced.

Collection will occur rain or shine, and the free event is "designed to provide a safe option to keep household hazardous wastes out of the solid waste stream and protect land and water from potential contamination."

According to Westport Public Works Director Stephen Edwards, "Many of the things 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 oil-based paints, cleaners, oils and pesticides can pollute the environment and jeopardize public health when they are disposed of improperly and enter groundwater or the solid waste stream."

From a release about Saturday's event:

Before bringing hazardous household items to the collection site, make sure items are clearly labeled. NEVER MIX CHEMICALS as incompatible products may react, ignite or explode, and mixed waste may become unrecyclable. Keep products in original labeled containers. 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 home when bringing hazardous materials for collection. Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site. Do not smoke.

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

Garage: degreasers, gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, oil-based paints, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, etc.

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

General household: bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, flammable liquids, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, etc.

The following items can be recycled at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector during normal operating hours: antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type. Fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, smoke detectors and electronics.

The following items are not acceptable: ammunition, flares, commercial hazardous waste.

If you have any questions, contact the Westport Public Works Department at 203-341-1120.

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