Smithtown Disposes Of Hazardous Household Waste On Earth Day

KINGS PARK, NY — More than 22 tons — or 44,140 pounds — of hazardous household waste was disposed of by the Town of Smithtown after 596 households dropped the items off on Saturday, the town announced.

The toxic items dropped off by Town of Smithtown residents are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups. The free event, held on Earth Day, brought people together to protect the local environment.

"We are pleased that so many residents took the time to celebrate Earth Day by participating in the hazardous waste drop-off event," Mike Engelmann, solid waste coordinator, said in a news release. "A growing number of Smithtown residents continue to recognize the importance of proper disposal for potentially toxic products and seek environmentally responsible alternatives instead. There's no better impact to our local environment than protecting our groundwater, air, parks and waterways for future generations to enjoy."

Wastes collected at the event include oil-based paints/flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, toxic liquids (ex: Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.

Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked with Engelmann, Environmental Director David Barnes, public safety fire marshals, DEW staff and Covanta staff to safely secure materials. The total weight, 22.07 tons, was more than double what was collected at the October 2022 event.

Materials were collected and manifested for disposal by Radiac Research Corp. In addition to residents dropping off hazardous household waste, many circled their vehicles around to pick up bags of free mulch on the way out. Reusable water bottles and recyclable bags were also provided to interested residents.

Covanta provided $5 Home Depot gift cards to more than 100 residents for recycling potentially dangerous lithium-ion and other batteries, propane tanks and mercury containing devices, the town stated. More than 1,500 pounds of these materials were recycled.

There will be two more Hazardous Household Waste collection events in 2023. The next collection events are scheduled for July 8 and Oct. 7. These events are for Town of Smithtown residents only. Proof of residency will be enforced.