The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways and Municipal Services Facility collected over 14.42 tons of hazardous household waste at the free disposal event this past weekend.
On July 14, four hundred sixteen households within the Township endured rainy conditions to safely dispose of thousands of pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups.
“These events have become a staple on the calendar year, for residents who take great pride in protecting our environment by responsibly disposing of potentially hazardous chemicals and products from the household. By participating in the tri-annual event, we protect our drinking water, air and natural resources while maintaining high-quality parks, recreational facilities, roads and waterways for all residents to enjoy. Our long-term hope is that current and future generations residents will use these events as inspiration to consider using safer and environmentally friendly alternatives around the home,” said Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.
Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW staff and Reworld (formerly known as Covanta) staff supplementing the work by Radiac, the Hazardous Household Waste contractor. The event to provide a safe and efficient service to residents was spearheaded under the direction of Environmental Director David Barnes, Sanitation Supervisor Neal Sheehan and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann.
A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal includes mercury, waste oil-based paints/ flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidized (liquids and solids), sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, miscellaneous toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.
“The rain couldn’t stop our team or our environmentally conscious residents in safely disposing of 28,840 pounds of waste, without the risk of those materials contacting the environment. The turnout was a big increase from last year’s Summer event with over a 15% increase in resident participation, which is essential as we continue to keep Smithtown beautiful,” Barnes said.
Reworld (formerly known as Covanta) provided $5 Home Depot gift cards to over 80 residents for recycling potentially dangerous lithium-ion and other batteries, propane
tanks and mercury-containing devices thereby preventing these harmful items from curbside disposal. Reusable bags were also provided to interested residents.
The next Household Hazardous Waste collection event is scheduled for October 5. Hazardous Household Waste collection events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be confirmed upon entry.