2006 News

September 28 , 2006

Bucks County to Conclude 2006 Hazardous Waste Recycling Program September 30, in Quakertown
Program Poised to Reach 5,000 Single-Year Participants for the First Time

Bucks County residents have underscored their commitment to recycling at a record pace since late May. Already, the 2006 program for the disposal of household hazardous waste and old computers has prompted widespread participation in Lower Makefield, Bedminster, Warwick and Bristol townships.

The program will make its fifth and final 2006 stop on Saturday, Sept. 30., rain or shine, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Quakertown Community Pool, Mill St., in Quakertown Borough. The Quakertown site typically attracts between 600-900 participants, according to planner Lale Byers, who coordinates the county recycling program. If 521 residents take part on Saturday, the program will surpass 5,000 participants for the first time since it was instituted in 1991. Over that 15-year span, 36,832 residents have utilized the program.

During the previous four six-hour events of 2006, 4,479 county residents have disposed of 415,018 pounds of material.

"Our regional household hazardous waste collection program provides an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of many materials that are not able to be disposed by any other means, thereby keeping these products from contaminating our water supplies or soils," Byers said.

Participating households may jettison as many as three computer systems and up to 25 gallons or 220 pounds of hazardous materials at the recycling centers.

Acceptable items include pesticides (Chlordane, Malathion, rodent poison, etc.), flammables (oil-based paint, paint thinner spot removers, gasoline, kerosene, heating oil), caustics (ammonia-based cleaners, oven cleaner, drain cleaner), toxics (photographic chemicals, pool chemicals, weed killer, antifreeze, mercury), button-type household batteries, lead-acid batteries (car, marine, motorcycle and truck) and propane tanks of 20 pounds or less.

Unacceptable items include latex paint, appliances, biological waste, tires, explosives and asbestos. For additional information about the program, call 215-345-3400.