Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways and Municipal Services Facility collected over 14.42 tons of hazardous household waste at the free disposal event this past weekend. On Saturday, July 14, 416 households within the Township endured rainy conditions to safely dispose of thousands of pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups.
“These events have become a staple on the calendar year, for residents who take great pride in protecting our environment by responsibly disposing of potentially hazardous chemicals and products from the household,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park). “By participating in the tri-annual event, we protect our drinking water, air, and natural resources while maintaining the high-quality parks, recreational facilities, roads and waterways for all residents to enjoy. Our long-term hope is that current and future generations residents will use these events as inspiration to consider using safer and environmentally friendly alternatives around the home”.
Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshalls, DEW staff and Reworld (formerly known as Covanta) staff supplementing the work by Radiac, the Hazardous Household Waste contractor. The event to provide a safe and efficient service to residents was spearheaded under the direction of Environmental Director David Barnes, Sanitation Supervisor Neal Sheehan and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann.
“The rain couldn’t stop our team or our environmentally conscious residents in safely disposing of 28,840 pounds of waste, without the risk of those materials contacting the environment,” said Barnes. “The turnout was a big increase from last year’s Summer event with over a 15% increase in resident participation, which is essential as we continue to keep Smithtown beautiful.”
A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: mercury, 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, miscellaneous toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids, and various other toxic compounds.
Reworld (formerly known as Covanta) provided $5 Home Depot gift cards to over eighty residents for recycling potentially dangerous lithium-ion and other batteries, propane tanks and mercury containing devices thereby preventing these harmful items from curbside disposal. Reusable bags were also provided to interested residents.
The next Household Hazardous Waste collection event is scheduled for October 5, 2024. Hazardous Household Waste collection events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be confirmed upon entry.
Did You Know?
• Bicycle Upcycle: Residents can now upcycle bicycles at Municipal Services Facility (MSF) which are restored and distributed through Smithtown Bicycle Co-op, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at FlowerField (Unit 18) in St James. The organization fixes up and provides free bikes, classes and access to repair tools, promoting health, safety, education & the concept of “paying it forward” through Recycling, Education and Community. Residents can drop off used bicycles free of charge at MSF during regular hours.
• Electronic Waste: Residents can also dispose of electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center 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.
• FREE MULCH: Mulch is also available free of charge to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of 10 bags per visit. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. A cover is required.
• Clothing Bins: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Clothing & Textile Bins are now located at MSF. Clothing and other textiles may be dropped off at these bins during regular business hours. There is no charge, however, donation receipts are not provided.
The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park. Regular operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:00a.m. to 3:15p.m.
