Folks from 831 households took advantage of Centre County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program May 2-3 organized by the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority collected approximately 48,302 pounds of material.
In all, 764 vehicles brought hazardous chemicals from 831 households. Residents from 31 of the county’s 35 municipalities participated. A few dozen people also drove in from seven surrounding counties to participate, four from out of state, one on a bike and one in a taxi.
In addition to CCRRA employees, volunteers from Penn State Environmental Health and Safety and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture were on-site to assist in checking vehicles and the Alpha Fire Police helped with directing traffic.
The event was co-sponsored by Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture. MXI of Virginia was the successful contractor.
“Centre County residents showed up in force and really showed their environmental caring.” said Joanne Shafer, Centre County’s Deputy Executive Director/Recycling Coordinator. “The amount of participants was slightly down from previous years, showing that Centre Countians have really embraced the reduce, reuse, recycle ethic. Many neighbors helping neighbors were evident.”
Collection and disposal costs of all 48,302 pounds will be split between the Household Hazardous Waste Fund, DEP and CHEMSWEEP. 500 pounds of cardboard were also collected during the event.
If you missed this collection, look for information next spring. The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority will be holding another Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in 2015.