Environment DEC
From the December 2005 issue
DEC Announces Grants for Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Virtually every household stores
and disposes of hazardous
waste products
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise Sheehan recently announced $2.3 million in grants to 33 municipalities and solid waste authorities to promote the collection and proper disposal of household hazardous wastes. The grant funding is provided from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
Community Outreach Critical
"The best approach to managing household hazardous waste is through community outreach programs that keep residents informed on how to safely and properly dispose of hazardous products," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Governor George Pataki has provided strong support through state funding and initiatives to promote and enable local collection days and public education on proper disposal of these potentially dangerous wastes."
Many commonly used household hazardous waste products contain some of the same chemical components that are otherwise regulated as hazardous waste when generated by industry. These household products can pose hazards to the consumer and to the environment if they are not properly handled, stored and discarded.
Millions Invested
Although batteries are a small
amount of the solid waste stream,
they are a concentrated source of
some types of heavy metals
Since 1995, New York State has invested more than $21.4 million to help communities safely collect household hazardous wastes, preventing future environmental problems. Municipal collection programs remove household cleaners, paint and related products, automobile maintenance wastes, pesticides, batteries, hobby and pool chemicals. They also provide a safe and effective way for consumers to dispose of these products, helping to ensure that potentially toxic materials are kept out of the waste stream.
Thousands of Tons Collected
Municipal household hazardous waste programs can include single-day collection events, or the establishment of permanent collection facilities. The 33 communities receiving grants today will provide 124 single-day collection events and an additional 893 days of operation at three permanent collection facilities. Over the past five years, approximately 40 million pounds (20,000 tons) of household hazardous waste have been collected by local governments and prevented from entering the environment.
More Information
Household Hazardous Waste grants provide 50 percent of the costs associated with the household waste collection and disposal programs, with local governments providing the balance of the costs. For additional information on state assistance for household hazardous waste programs, municipalities or public authorities, contact DEC's Bureau of Solid Waste, Reduction and Recycling at (518) 402-8705 or visit the Household Hazardous Waste web page on DEC's website. See "Related Links" below for links to the full press release listing complete details about the grant recipients, as well as to other related information.
