Household Hazardous Waste Event is this Saturday

LAFAYETTE — The Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA) Household Hazardous Waste Event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the landfill in Lafayette. The SCMUA contracts with a specialized hazardous waste vendor to service the collection event.

Many jobs around the home require the use of products containing hazardous components such as oil-based paints, stains and varnishes, paint thinners and solvents, pesticides and herbicides, pool chemicals, household cleaners, aerosol spray products, rechargeable batteries, mercury-containing products such as thermometers, thermostats, and fluorescent bulbs. These products that require disposal are known as “Household Hazardous Waste” (HHW).

Materials that constitute HHW range from more obvious ones like those mentioned above, as well as old gasoline and pool chemicals, to lesser-known ones like mercury. Household Hazardous Wastes are sometimes disposed of improperly by people pouring them down a drain, onto the ground, into storm sewers and into septic systems. This improper disposal, and/or putting HHW out with the regular trash poses a risk to people, animals and the environment.

To discourage residents from disposing of HHW in the garbage or other improper disposal, The SCMUA hosts these free HHW Days in the spring and fall at its Solid Waste/Recycling facility, in Lafayette. Please note: Latex paint, motor oil, alkaline or mixed household batteries, asbestos, regulated medical waste and certain other materials are not accepted during the HHW Events, as they can be brought to the SCMUA any day.

Please contact the SCMUA directly for more information at 973-579-6998.