BRATTLEBORO — The Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD) recently received a $26,958 grant from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to assist the district with the expenses associated with its hazardous-waste collection programs.
The grant, awarded annually to municipalities by the DEC, a department of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, provides assistance for education and collection programs for household hazardous waste, conditionally exempt generator waste (HHW/CEG), and mercury-added consumer products.
Household hazardous waste (HHW) is the unused or leftover portion of household products containing toxic chemicals and can be identified by labels such as “warning,” “caution,” “poisonous,” “toxic,” “flammable,” “corrosive,” “reactive,” and “explosive.”
Each year WSWMD, which serves 37,451 residents in Brattleboro, Brookline, Dover, Dummerston, Guilford, Halifax, Jamaica, Marlboro, Newfane, Putney, Readsboro, Stratton, Townshend, Vernon, Wardsboro, Westminster, Whitingham, Wilmington, and Winhall, collects approximately 35,000 pounds of hazardous waste, according to WSWMD in a press release.
Residents in WSWMD towns are encouraged to take part in this year's collection, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the district headquarters at 327 Old Ferry Rd. in Brattleboro.
Household-generated products from WSWMD residents that will be accepted include roofing tar, varnishes, paint strippers/thinners, latex paint and oil paints/stains, antifreeze, motor oil, brake fluid, gasoline, car wax, transmission fluid, driveway sealer, pool chemicals, chemical fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides, insecticides, spot removers, bleach, polishes, drain/toilet cleaners, chemistry sets, flea control products, and mothballs.
Unacceptable items include explosives, ammunition, fireworks, radioactive waste, electronic waste, medical waste, empty containers, fluorescent bulbs, and latex paint. No more than a total of 10 gallons of waste per household will be accepted.
Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can contaminate lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater; pollute the air with dangerous fumes; or put sanitation and landfill workers at risk for serious injury.