Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday

Residents are encouraged to participate when the Newtown Public Works Department hosts a regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, May 16, from 9 am until 2 pm, at the Public Works Garage, 4 Turkey Hill Road.

Many things that are not usually accepted at the town’s transfer station can be dropped off on Saturday, including oil-based paints; stains and varnishes; paint thinners and strippers; wood preservatives; resins, rosins, and adhesives; furniture, floor, and metal polishes; oven, toilet bowl, and drain cleaners; pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides including lawn care products; flea powder; and moth balls.

Also accepted on Saturday will be dry cleaning solvents, lighter fluids, engine degreasers, waste fuels (gasoline, kerosene), full or partially full aerosol cans, photo chemicals, chemistry sets and hobby supplies, and rechargeable (Ni-Cd) batteries.

Things that should be left at home include latex paints (allow them to dry and then put them into your regular garbage), empty aerosol cans and household batteries (which can also be put into the trash), smoke detectors, motor oil and antifreeze (recycle at the transfer station); ammunition, fireworks or explosives (contact the police department), and radioactive materials.

Additional information including a full listing of what is acceptable types of waste and what to leave home is available via the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority website, HRRA.org, or by calling 775-6256, extension 304.