79,000 Pounds Of Household Hazardous Waste Collected In Centre County

Folks from 1,160 households took advantage of Centre County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program on April 29-30 at the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority.

Approximately 79,000 pounds of material was collected during the 2-day event.  In all, 1081 vehicles brought hazardous chemicals from 1160 households.  Residents from 33 of the county’s 35 municipalities participated.  

There were several dozen people from nine surrounding counties and as far away as Bradford County that came to participate.  

In addition to the pesticides and other household hazardous waste, over one mile of linear feet of fluorescent tubes was accepted for recycling.

The Authority  even collected over 1000 pounds of cardboard during the event.

In addition to CCRRA employees, volunteers from Penn State Environmental Health and Safety were on-site to assist in checking vehicles.

“Centre County residents showed up in force and really showed their environmental caring.” said Joanne Shafer, Centre County’s Deputy Executive Director/Recycling Coordinator.  “The amount of participants was up considerably; I think that folks are really more aware of their environment and they want to protect the beauty of our county.  Clean air and water are key to the economy of our area.”  “Many county residents were aware of their carbon footprint and combined trips and helped neighbors”

Collection and disposal costs of all 79,000 pounds will be split between the Household Hazardous Waste Fund, DEP & CHEMSWEEP.

The event was co-sponsored by Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture.  MXI of Virginia was the successful contractor.

If you missed this collection, look for information next spring.  The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority will be holding another Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in 2017.

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