PA Resources Council To Hold Nov. 9 Household Chemical Collection Event Sponsored By PPG & Pittsburgh Penguins; Last Of The Season

On October 30, the PA Resources Council announced it will conclude its 2024 household chemical collection campaign on November 9 by hosting a drive-thru event in Pittsburgh to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides, e-cigarettes and other products containing potentially hazardous components.

This final PRC household chemical collection of 2024 – presented in partnership with PPG and Pittsburgh Penguins – will take place on Saturday, November 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hazelwood Green, 4601 Lytle St, Pittsburgh, PA 15207. 

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

“It’s important to manage these materials the right way because many contain toxic elements that can leach into our waterways or introduce dangerous toxins into our environment,” according to PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman. “PRC and partners provide residents with numerous options for recycling materials not accepted in curbside pickup, and since 2003 we’ve facilitated the safe management of more than six million pounds of household chemicals.” 

A $20 fee will cover the cost of disposing up to 10 gallons/50 pounds of aerosol cans, automotive fluids, chemistry sets, electronic cigarettes/capes, 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.

“PPG is committed to offering consumers a safe and reliable way to dispose of or recycle household chemicals as part of our ongoing focus on sustainability and product stewardship,” said Rhonda Vete, PPG global director, product stewardship. “We encourage the community to join PPG and the PA Resources Council and clear out the products in their garage or basement for proper disposal.”

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 certified contractor unloads the materials.  

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

While these products are safe to use if proper precautions are taken, problems generally arise via improper use or disposal.

Hazelwood Green marks the ninth event of the 2024 season, which has included chemical collections in Allegheny, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette and Washington counties.

For more information, visit PRC’s Collection Events webpage. 

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.

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[Posted: October 30, 2024]  PA Environment Digest