Riverhead residents took advantage of the town’s household hazardous wastes collection day today, dropping off hundreds pounds worth of electronic wastes, solvents, used oil, old paint, pool chemicals and other substances that should not be landfilled.
The town holds its STOP Day (STOP stands for “Stop Throwing Out Pollutants”) twice a year, in spring and fall, to give residents an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous wastes in a safe and environmentally responsible manner — and at no cost.
Pennsylvania-based contractor MXI Environmental collected and sorted the wastes at the Riverhead Town Highway Department on Osborn Avenue from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m. today.
“We got a decent amount of pesticides, paints and solvents,” MXI site supervisor Marc Kodrowski said. “Also a lot of propane tanks and pool chemicals.” None of the hazardous wastes end up in a landfill, he said.
“Pesticides are incinerated, cleaners and corrosives are chemically treated, paints are blended with other substances to make alternative fuels, motor oil and antifreeze are recycled,” he said. “Nickel cadmium, lithium and nickel metal hydride batteries are all recycled.”
Alkaline batteries are not hazardous wastes and are not recycled, Kodrowski said. The same goes for water-based paints.
Town workers also collected electronic waste today: old televisions, computers, printers, radios, phones and more were dropped off by residents. The Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth was also on hand to collect unwanted prescription medications today. They were assisted by Riverhead Town Police. The group had collected more than 70 pounds of medications by 1:30 p.m.
“That’s great considering we just had a take-back day on April 30,” Riverhead Community Awareness Program prevention specialist Kelli Miloski said. “We’re collecting stuff that people can abuse.”
“It’s wonderful,” said Janet Wright of Aquebogue who came to drop off a bottle of pills. “CAP is wonderful. Keep up the good work,” she told Miloski.
The next STOP day in Riverhead is scheduled for Oct. 15.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
