Folks from 1,070 households took advantage of Centre County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program May 1-2 at the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority.

Approximately 57,000 pounds of material was collected during the 2-day event.  In all, 964 vehicles brought hazardous chemicals from 1070 households.  Residents from 33 of the county’s 35 municipalities participated. 

There were several dozen people from seven surrounding counties and as far away as Erie County that came to participate.  One person made the trek to the collection on a bicycle.

In addition to the pesticides and other household hazardous waste, over one mile of linear feet of fluorescent tubes was accepted for recycling.

In addition to CCRRA employees, volunteers from Penn State Environmental Health and Safety and the Department of Agriculture were on-site to assist in checking vehicles.      

The event was co-sponsored by Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture.  MXI of Virginia was the successful contractor.

“Centre County residents showed up in force and really showed their environmental caring.” said Joanne Shafer, Centre County’s Deputy Executive Director/Recycling Coordinator.  “The amount of participants was up considerably; I think that folks are really more aware of their environment and they want to protect the beauty of our county.  Clean air and water are key to the economy of our area.”  “Many county residents were aware of their carbon footprint and combined trips and helped neighbors”

Collection and disposal costs of all 57,000 pounds will be split between the Household Hazardous Waste Fund, DEP & CHEMSWEEP.  We even collected over 1000 pounds of cardboard during the event.

If you missed this collection, look for information next spring.  The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority will be holding another Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in 2016.

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