PA Resources Council, Partners To Host May 20 Household Chemical Collection Event In Cambria County; 5 More Events Set For Western PA

The Pennsylvania Resources Council in partnership with the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority will host a one-day household chemical collection event on May 20 in Johnstown to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely and cost effectively dispose of common chemicals such as cleaners, paints, batteries, electronic cigarettes, motor oil and pesticides.  

This PRC household chemical collection will take place on Saturday, May 20, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Concurrent Technologies Corporation’s Environmental Technology Facility parking lot at 128 Industrial Park Road in Richland Township.  

Participants must register in advance online or by calling 412-488-7490 x1. 

“It’s critical 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.  “Since launching household chemical collection events in 2003, PRC and its many partners have facilitated the safe management of 6.5 million pounds of household chemicals collected at more than 100 events.”

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 this event, 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.

Other Upcoming Events

The Cambria County collection is the third of nine events held in 2023. 

Upcoming 2023 PRC household chemical collections will take place--

-- June 17 in Fayette County; 

-- June 24 in Washington County; 

-- August 19 in Boyce Park, Allegheny County; 

-- September 9 in South Park, Allegheny County; and 

-- October 14 in Beaver County.

The 2023 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, 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 more information, 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, watershed and other initiatives. 

Related Article:

-- Communities Unite To Collect 29,000 Pounds Of Trash During Earth Week, Susquehanna Greenway Cleanup Week  [PaEN]

[Posted: May 9, 2023]  PA Environment Digest