Each spring and fall, the MDC conducts a regional household hazardous waste collection program at a series of local sites, and September’s collection is in West Hartford.

By Joy Taylor

On Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, the MDC’s hazardous waste collection will take place in West Hartford, at the Public Works Garage at 17 Brixton St., which is just off the Oakwood Ave Extension (off New Park Avenue). The collection will run from 8 a.m. through 1 p.m.

Hazardous waste cannot be simply thrown out with the trash, flushed, or poured down the drain because it passes the problem along to the environment, polluting the air and the water. The MDC sponsors a HazWaste Program to collect the waste and dispose of it through safe, environmentally responsible practices.

Some examples of household hazardous waste materials that do not belong in your normal trash include:

•Acids • Aerosols •Alkaline Batteries •Ammonia •Antifreeze •Artist’s Paints •Drain Cleaners •Epoxy Products •Fluorescent Bulbs •Herbicides •Insecticides •Lighter Fluid •Mercury Thermometers •Mercury Thermostats •Oven Cleaners •Paint (Latex & Oil) •Photo Chemicals •Pool Chemicals •Rechargeable Batteries •Transmission Fluid •Turpentine •Wood & Metal Polishes

A complete list of acceptable items can be found on the MDC website.

The MDC urges residents to participate in a Household Hazardous Waste Collection in the interest of protecting the health of your family and the environment.

Residents of any of the following participating towns can participate in ANY MDC sponsored collection day: Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor and Windsor Locks. Please note, Farmington is no longer a participating town.

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