Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Offs Resume in March

Header--Montgomery County, Maryland. Press Releases

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Contact: Bob Willson, 301-840-2370
Richard Dimont, 301-840-2774

For Immediate Release: February 25, 2000

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFFS
RESUME IN MARCH

Montgomery County's regular collection of household hazardous waste at convenient drop-off sites resumes with two events in March. The first is scheduled for Sunday, March 5, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services Shady Grove Transfer Station in Rockville. The second will be held in Silver Spring at the Parking Lot #2 on Sunday, March 19, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The program gives residents an opportunity to safely dispose of toxic, flammable, reactive or corrosive waste that is commonly used or stored in the home, garage or basement. Household hazardous waste collections are discontinued during the coldest winter months.

Household hazardous waste collections are currently scheduled through the end of June. Upcoming collections will take place on April 2, May 7, and June 4 at the Shady Grove Solid Waste Transfer Station; April 9 at the Germantown Upcounty Services Center; May 20 at the Briggs Chaney Park and Ride Lot in Silver Spring; and June 24 at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda. Events occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Keeping these potentially dangerous items out of our waste stream through proper disposal protects the environment," said Bob Willson, Environmental Protection Manager, Division of Solid Waste Services. "Residents are strongly urged to reduce the amount of hazardous waste they generate by substituting less toxic or non-toxic products, only buying what is needed, and sharing leftover materials with others."

Materials accepted for collection are liquid oil and latex paints, thinners, solvents, pesticides, fuels, swimming pool chemicals, photographic chemicals, brake fluid, car batteries, Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, and mercury button batteries.

Although residents can drop off used oil and antifreeze for recycling at the Transfer Station everyday during operating hours, the household hazardous waste program will also accept used oil and antifreeze.

Materials that cannot be accepted at this collection program are radioactive materials, explosives, and compressed gases other than propane, butane, or asbestos. County policy prohibits acceptance of household hazardous waste from commercial vehicles. In addition, commercial waste cannot be accepted.

The Transfer Station is located at the intersection of Route 355 and Shady Grove Rd. Residents should use the Shady Grove Rd. entrance, located east of Route 355. Silver Spring Parking Lot #2 is located at the corner of Spring St. and Georgia Ave., and residents should use the parking lot entrance located off Spring St.

For more information on the types of items that will be accepted, how to use less toxic materials, or to get a schedule for upcoming collections, call the Division of Solid Waste Services at 301-840-2370 or the Recycling Hotline at 301-590-0046 from 1 to 4 p.m.

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