Published: 9/7/2022 5:27:35 PM
Modified: 9/7/2022 5:23:49 PM
The Franklin County Solid Waste Management District is holding a household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Greenfield Community College’s main campus and the Orange Transfer Station.
Residents and businesses must register by Sept. 16. Online registration for the 2022 collection is open at franklincountywastedistrict.org. Mail-in registration forms are available at participating town transfer stations and town offices, and in local newspapers.
According to the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District, the collection is free for residents of most participating towns: Athol, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Erving, Gill, Hawley, Heath, Leverett, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Petersham, Phillipston, Rowe, Royalston, Shelburne, Warwick, Wendell and Whately. In Sunderland, residents must pay to participate. Space is limited.
Greenfield and Leyden residents are not eligible and should call Greenfield’s Department of Public Works at 413-772-1528 for information on household hazardous waste disposal.
Businesses located in any of the 26 participating towns may participate but must pay for disposal costs. For business registration information, call 413-772-2438.
COVID-19 health safety protocols will be in place at the collection sites, according to the waste management district. Participants must remain in their vehicle and place all waste in the trunk, rear cargo area or truck bed.
Participants will be assigned an appointment time to bring waste materials to the collection; an appointment time and instructions will be provided by mail after registration is processed.
This collection provides an opportunity to dispose of hazardous items that should not be put in the trash, such as leftover oil-based paints, stains, thinners, pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, motor oil, antifreeze, household cleaners and other household chemicals, according to the waste management district. A more complete list of acceptable items is available online at franklincountywastedistrict.org.
Batteries and mercury-containing items such as fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers and thermostats will not be accepted at this collection. These items, which may contain mercury or heavy metals, should never be put in trash or recycling. Residents are advised to bring them to a municipal transfer station or a regional hazardous waste “super site,” and hand them to a transfer station attendant. In addition, fluorescent light bulbs are accepted at Lowe’s (all types of fluorescents) and Home Depot (CFLs only).
For more information, visit franklincountywastedistrict.org or contact the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at info@franklincountywastedistrict.org or 413-772-2438.