Haz-Mat disposal day set for May 20 at Turnkey Landfill

ROCHESTER - The DPW will be hosting Household Hazardous Waste Day on May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Turnkey Landfill.

According to the state Department of Environmental Services, New Hampshire residents purchase millions of dollars worth of household products such as cleaners, pesticides, and electronic devices that make lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Unfortunately, consumers are not always aware of the toxic nature of these products nor do they fully consider the possible environmental or health effects resulting from their use and disposal.

When stored or used improperly, product vapors may react with the chemicals in another product creating toxic gases, poisonings, and even fires. Every day, products like drain cleaners, medications, pesticides, bleaches, and fluorescent lamps are thrown into the household trash where they are free to come in contact and react with each other. Even if the chemicals in these products don't react in the garbage, their disposal as solid waste could allow them to leak into the environment where they would contaminate the air we breathe and water we drink.

To help identify these hazardous products, federal law requires certain products to be labeled with warnings about their use, storage, and disposal. These labels include signal words to help you quickly identify hazardous products. The words "Danger" (most toxic), "Warning," and "Caution" (least toxic) are used to help identify the various degrees of toxicity. These signal words, along with the properties that make the product hazardous, are listed to help you use these products safely. However, these requirements do not apply to most hobby products and typically do not inform you of long-term health hazards. But, when provided, these labels provide valuable information that you can use to make informed choices about what products to buy and how to dispose of them if they become waste.

By safely storing hazardous wastes, and bringing them to Household Hazardous Waste Day, consumers are making sure their wastes are transported and disposed of by licensed facilities in a manner that prevents environmental pollution.

According to Deputy Director Lisa Clark, Rochester Public Works, proper management of household hazardous products during use, storage, and disposal should be the concern of every resident.

"Anything we can do to properly dispose of household hazardous wastes will help to safeguard our environment and the overall health of our community," said Clark.

Household Hazardous Waste Day is open to people living in Barrington, Farmington, Milton, Middleton, New Durham, Northwood, Rochester, Somersworth, Strafford, and Wakefield. Please note, the Rochester Residential Trash and Yard Waste Drop-Off Center will be closed all day to accommodate this event.

Turnkey Landfill is located at 18 Isinglass Drive (off of Rochester Neck Road) in Rochester. For more information call (603) 332-4096, or visit www.rochesternh.gov.