The Pennsylvania Resources Council will launch its 2022 household chemical collection campaign on April 16 by hosting a drive-thru event at PPG Paints Arena in Allegheny County to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other products containing potentially hazardous components.

This first PRC household chemical collection of 2022 – presented by PPG and Pittsburgh Penguins – will take place on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena’s surface parking lots in Pittsburgh. 

“It’s important to divert household chemicals from landfills since many contain toxic elements that can leach into our waterways or introduce dangerous toxic materials into our environment,” according to PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman.  “This year marks PRC’s 20th season of hosting household chemical collection events, and we’re proud to report that we’ve facilitated the safe management of six million pounds of household chemicals collected at more than one hundred events.”

At the April 16 event, a $20 fee will cover the cost of disposing up to 10 gallons/50 pounds of aerosol cans, automotive fluids, chemistry sets, electronic cigarettes, gasoline and kerosene, household cleaners, mercury thermometers, paint products, pesticides/garden chemicals, photo chemicals and pool chemicals. 

Loads exceeding 10 gallons/50 pounds will be subject to additional fees at the discretion of on-site staff.

Participants must register in advance online.

“As part of PPG’s ongoing focus on sustainable business practices, we encourage consumers to safely and responsibly dispose of any unused paint products that may be around their homes,” said Mary Ellen Shivetts, PPG director, global product sustainability.  “This event in partnership with PRC is the perfect opportunity to ensure proper, responsible disposal.”

When preparing to attend this event, participants should pack all materials in their car trunks or truck beds and then stay in their vehicles while the contractor unloads the materials. 

The certified contractor will process the hazardous wastes for proper disposal, and materials may be recycled, incinerated or safely buried in special landfills.

According to the U.S. EPA, an average home can easily accumulate 100 pounds or more of cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other products containing potentially hazardous components. 

While these products are safe to use if proper precautions are taken, problems generally arise via improper use or disposal.

Upcoming 2022 PRC household chemical collections will take place April 30 in Beaver County; May 7 in North Park, Allegheny County; May 21 in Cambria County; June 18 in Fayette County; June 25 in Washington County; Aug. 20 in Boyce Park, Allegheny County; Sept. 10 in South Park, Allegheny County; and Oct. 8 in Beaver County.

The 2022 PRC household chemical collection campaign is sponsored by Allegheny County Health Department, Allegheny County Parks Department, Beaver County Commissioners, Cambria County Solid Waste Authority, Fayette County Commissioners, Fayette County Conservation District, Washington County Planning Commission, Colcom Foundation, LANXESS, PA Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania American Water, PPG and Pittsburgh Penguins, UPMC, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, PPG Paints Arena, Washington Wild Things, Washington County Family Entertainment, and 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA.

For more information about the April 16 collection event, visit the PPG Collection Event webpage or call PRC at 412-488-7490×7.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources Council website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar.  Click Here to support their work.

PRC is Pennsylvania’s oldest grassroots environmental organization founded in 1939.  PRC has worked to protect resources for future generations through environmental education, recycling, waste diversion programs, anti-litter campaigns and other initiatives.

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-- Dickinson College Hosts March 24 Discussion On The Business Of Food Waste: Climate Mitigation Thru Organics Recycling

[Posted: March 15, 2022]

3/21/2022