The Southwestern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste Task Force household hazardous waste collection last Saturday resulted in collecting over 35,000 pounds of household hazardous waste in Butler County, and more events are planned.

Three more HHW collections are slated for September 23 in Westmoreland and Venango counties and on October 14 at Brady’s Run Park in Beaver County.

Since the Task Force’s first collection in mid-2003, the group has provided 10,085 Western Pennsylvania residents an opportunity to safely, responsibly, and economically dispose of nearly 900,000 pounds of household hazardous waste, while becoming more educated consumers.

According to the Task Force, Household Hazardous Wastes are those wastes produced in our households that are hazardous in nature, but are not regulated as hazardous waste, under federal and state laws. Each person in Pennsylvania produces an average of four pounds of HHW each year for a total of about 25,000 tons/yr. statewide.

Included are such items as oil-based paints and paint related products, pesticides, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, and de-greasers and other car care products. Such consumer waste products, if carelessly managed can, create environmental and public health hazards.

For detailed information about these collection events, visit the Southwestern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste Task Force webpage or call 412-488-7452.

9/1/2006