PA Resources Council Hosts Household Chemical Collection Events In Allegheny, Cambria Counties During May

The Pennsylvania Resources Council will host two household chemical collection events in western Pennsylvania during May to enable area residents to conveniently dispose of materials such as cleaners, paints, stains and varnishes, batteries, motor oil and pesticides.

“It’s important to divert household chemicals from landfills since many contain toxic elements that can leach into our waterways or introduce dangerous toxic materials into our environment,” according to PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman. “This year marks PRC’s 20th season of hosting household chemical collection events, and we’re proud to report that we’ve facilitated the safe management of six million pounds of household chemicals collected at more than one hundred events.”

According to the U.S. EPA, an average home can easily accumulate 100 pounds or more of cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other chemical products. 

The May collection events will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.--

-- Allegheny County: May 7  North Park Swimming Pool parking lot 

-- Cambria County: May 21 Concurrent Technologies Corp. ETF Facility, Johnstown

A $20 fee will cover the cost of disposing of up to 10 gallons/50 pounds of aerosol cans, automotive fluids, chemistry sets, electronic cigarettes, gasoline and kerosene, household cleaners, mercury thermometers, paint products, pesticides/garden chemicals, photo chemicals and pool chemicals. 

Loads exceeding 10 gallons/50 pounds will be subject to additional fees at discretion of on-site staff.  Participants will also pay $12 per fire extinguisher and $15 per pound of liquid mercury.

When preparing to attend events, participants should pack all materials in their car trunks or truck beds and then stay in their vehicles while the contractor unloads the materials.  The certified contractor will process the hazardous wastes for proper disposal.

All participants must register in advance by visiting PRC’s Collection Events webpage or by calling 412-488-7490×1.  

Upcoming Events

Upcoming 2022 PRC household chemical collections will take place June 18 in Fayette County; June 25 in Washington County; Aug. 20 in Boyce Park, Allegheny County; Sept. 10 in South Park, Allegheny County; and Oct. 8 in Beaver County.

The 2022 PRC household chemical collection campaign is sponsored by Allegheny County Health Department, Allegheny County Parks Department, Beaver County Commissioners, Cambria County Solid Waste Authority, Fayette County Commissioners, Fayette County Conservation District, Washington County Planning Commission, Colcom Foundation, LANXESS, PA Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania American Water, PPG and Pittsburgh Penguins, UPMC, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, PPG Paints Arena, Washington Wild Things, Washington County Family Entertainment, and 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA.

For event information – including a complete list of items accepted – visit PRC’s Collection Events webpage or call PRC at 412-488-7490 x1.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources Council website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar.  Click Here to support their work.

PRC is Pennsylvania’s oldest grassroots environmental organization founded in 1939.  PRC has worked to protect resources for future generations through environmental education, recycling, waste diversion programs, anti-litter campaigns and other initiatives. 

Related Articles:

-- PA Resources Council Announces 2022 Household Chemical, Electronics Waste, Hard-To-Recycle Collection Events In Eastern, Western PA

-- Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful: Communities Celebrate Earth Day By Joining Pick Up Pennsylvania

[Posted: April 19, 2022]  PA Environment Digest