Town of Smithtown Residents Safely Dispose of 22 Tons of Household Hazardous Waste
The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways collected 22 tons of waste during the most recent hazardous household waste event. Last Saturday, October 3rd, approximately 490 Smithtown households participated in safely disposing 43,900 pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups. Residents were asked to wear face masks and not to leave their cars, to protect everyone’s wellbeing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“More people participating, combined with fewer hazardous waste items, tells us how incredibly dedicated our community is to our ecosystem. I am grateful to our town departments, and their leadership, who facilitate these seamless events each year, and to the community for safely disposing of household toxins while making a conscious effort to be environmentally friendly consumers.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Waterways Environmental Director David Barnes and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann to safely secure over forty five (55) gallon drums, two (5) gallon pails, seven (1) cubic yard boxes and two full 30 cubic yard roll-off containers loaded up with paints/solvents, etc. The exact weight collected was 21.95 tons (scale house net) in hazardous materials.
While this year's October event may not have had as many participants as the April 2019 (over 606 homes) household hazardous materials collection, it did yield a large accumulation. Materials were collected and manifested for disposal by Care Environmental Corp. Three Hazardous Household waste events are being planned for 2021. These events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be strictly enforced.
A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: waste oil based paints/ flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds. The New York State DEC is expected to reimburse the Town for 50% of the contractor expense for this event.
DID YOU KNOW:
Residents can also dispose of Electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center (also located at 85 Old Northport Road). Electronic Waste such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling.
This is a free service. Proof of residency is required.
Mulch is also available FREE OF CHARGE to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for Pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of ten (10) bags per visit. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. (Cover required)
The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility, is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park,NY.
Regular Operating Hours: Tuesday through Saturday From 7:00 am to 11:45 am and 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm)
