SAUGUS ― Residents will soon have the chance to dispose of hazardous waste such as paint, batteries, cleaners, and more, which require special care to prevent harm to the environment and unsafe conditions.
On Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon, Saugonians may drop off their hazardous waste at the Belmonte Upper Elementary School ay 25 Dow St.
“The rain-or-shine event will allow residents to dispose of a series of household waste products, including rubber cement, airplane glue, fiberglass resins, aerosol cans, photo chemicals, furniture polish, floor and metal polish, oven cleaner, drain and toilet cleaner, spot remover, rug and upholstery cleaner, hobby and artist supplies, turpentine, and chemistry sets,” Saugus Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone said in a press release.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the dangers of improper disposal of hazardous waste might not be immediately obvious, but can pollute the environment and pose a threat to people’s health.
“Improper disposal of HHW (household hazardous waste) can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the regular trash,” stated the EPA.
Saugus will be holding a contactless event which will be open to residents and will not require pre-registration. The town asks that participants stay in their vehicles; upon arrival, residents will be asked to hold up their driver’s licenses. All hazardous material must be placed in the trunk or rear of the vehicle. Residents will be allowed two carloads, which is equivalent to 50 gallons of hazardous waste.
“Residents are urged to take caution when transporting household hazardous materials,” the town’s statement said. “Locals may do so by keeping the materials in their original containers, tightening caps and lids, sorting and packing products separately, and packing containers in sturdy upright boxes padded with newspaper. Please remember never to mix chemicals or to smoke while handling hazardous materials.”
The event is for hazardous waste only; commercial waste will not be accepted.
The following garage supplies will be accepted: fuel, gasoline, kerosene, engine degreaser, brake fluid, carburetor cleaner, transmission fluid, car wax, polishes, driveway sealer, car batteries, antifreeze, cesspool cleaners, roofing tar, swimming-pool chemicals, motor oil, and car batteries.
Accepted workbench waste products include oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, wood preservatives, paint strippers or thinners, solvent-based adhesives, and lighter fluid. The following yard waste materials will be accepted: weed killer, chemical fertilizers, flea-control products, mothballs, poisons, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.
The following items will not be accepted: empty containers or trash, latex paint, commercial or industrial waste, radioactive waste, smoke detectors, infectious and biological wastes, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, fire extinguishers, or syringes. TVs, computers, and car tires may be recycled at a drop-off site located at 515 Main St. on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please contact Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone at 781-231-4036 with any questions.
Hannah Chadwick can be reached at [email protected].
