Popular Event at ECC North Campus Allows for Safe Disposal of Hazardous Items

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Commissioner of the Department of Environment and Planning Maria Whyte was joined by joined by event sponsors, elected officials, and concerned citizens in announcing that Erie County will hold a hazardous waste drop off event on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Erie Community College (“ECC”) North campus from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The event, sponsored by the Town of Amherst, allows county residents to safely dispose of hazardous items that can’t be thrown out in the regular garbage.

“I encourage all residents to take advantage of this dropoff event to get hazardous items out of their homes and garages,” said Whyte. “With the support of our partners and the Town of Amherst, we will be ready this Saturday to help create a cleaner and greener Erie County, protecting our environment and residents at the same time through the safe disposal of harmful chemicals and other substances that could otherwise contaminate our groundwater.”

The hazardous household waste drop off event will be held this Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at ECC North Campus. Participants should enter the event from the Wehrle Drive entrance to the campus.

Items which can be brought to ECC North on Saturday for disposal include:

• Pesticides, Fertilizers, Pool and Household Chemicals/Cleaners (limit 2 gallons or 20 lbs.)
• Oil-based Paints, Spray cans (limit 10 gallons)
• Paint Thinner, Stripper and Solvents (limit 2 gallons)
• Batteries (lead acid & rechargeable)
• Oil, Gasoline, Kerosene, Antifreeze (limit 10 gallons)
• Mercury (thermometers, thermostats, metal)
• Propane tanks & cylinders (full or empty)

Items which will NOT be accepted include: latex paint, tires, computers & electronics, appliances, fluorescent bulbs, commercial & industrial wastes

Support for this event is provided by Erie Community College, the Town of Amherst, Elwood Fire Protection Inc., NOCO Energy Corp., The Battery Post, Inc., and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

For more information, visit www.erie.gov/environment    or call 858-6800.