So, you’ve got some oil-based paint left over from a project that’s been on the shelf for a few years, or maybe a bag of bug killer that you’ll never use. You know you shouldn’t throw them in the trash, but what alternative do you have?

If this scenario sounds familiar it’s because this is a common dilemma. Of all the calls received by the recycling office – particularly in the spring and summer – the most are from residents wanting information on how to properly dispose of items such as paint and pesticides.

Because of cost, the county is able to offer only one Household Hazardous Waste collection per year. However, in reviewing all the items dropped off by residents – plus the phone calls – it was clear that oil-based coatings and pesticides made up the majority of each event. Although setting up shop to collect all Household Hazardous Waste was not possible, we were able to expand the services offered at the electronics building to take paint and pesticides.

We received the OK from the DEP to hold an ongoing collection for these two types of items last summer, and initiated a monthly collection until late in the year.  This year the collection will begin Wednesday, June 1, and continue each Wednesday until the end of August from noon until 5 p.m. If you have any oil-based coatings and/or pesticides to drop off, please stop at the Community Recycling Center on Heritage Street and we will assist you.