Dispose of household chemicals at 2 PRC collection events in September

Are you trying to figure out how to dispose of all the chemical-containing products stored in your garage, shed or basement?

For a small fee, it's easy to do so in September. The Pennsylvania Resources Council will host two household chemical collection events in Western Pennsylvania to provide residents with a convenient and safe way to dispose of materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, automotive fluids, e-cigarettes/vaporizers and pesticides.

• Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., South Park Wave Pool parking lot, Bethel Park.
• Saturday, September 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, North Union Township.

Residents must register to bring materials to the event. Registration is available online or by calling 412-488-7490.

“PRC offers numerous options for citizens to recycle materials not accepted for curbside pickup, and since 2003 we have facilitated the safe disposal of over 6 million pounds of household chemicals,” PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman said in a press release. “It is important to dispose of these materials properly, as many of them contain toxic elements that can leach into our waterways or introduce dangerous toxins into our environment.”

A $20 fee covers the cost of disposing of up to 10 gallons/50 pounds of aerosol cans, automotive fluids, chemical kits, electronic cigarettes/vaporizers, gasoline and kerosene, household cleaners, mercury thermometers, paint products, pesticides/garden chemicals, photography chemicals and pool chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average home accumulates 100 pounds of chemicals, according to the PRC.

Loads over 10 gallons/50 pounds will incur additional fees, determined by on-site personnel at their discretion, according to the press release. Participants will also pay $12 per fire extinguisher and $15 per pound of liquid mercury.

When preparing to attend this event, participants should pack all materials into the trunk or bed of their car and then remain in their vehicles while the contractor unloads the materials. The certified contractor will process the hazardous waste for proper disposal.

The last PRC household chemical collection of 2024 will be on October 12 in Beaver County.

For more information, visit www.prc.org/CollectionEvents or call the PRC at 412-488-7490.

The PUP is the publication of the striking workers of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.