Most Atlantic County residents have hazardous waste in their cabinets, basements, or garages. Cleaning products, motor oils, insecticides, oil-based paints, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are just a few hazardous items that cannot be disposed of in regular curbside trash cans.
Hazardous waste can pollute waterways and the environment. It can also endanger sanitation workers and cause truck fires.
Residents are encouraged to dispose of these items safely at designated ACUA hazardous waste drop-offs held several times a year. The next drop-off will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. at the ACUA’s Environmental Park, located at 6700 Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Township, according to a news release.
The drop-off is convenient. Residents do not even need to exit their vehicle. Residents will need to provide proof of Atlantic County residency such as a driver’s license or a tax bill. Participants may bring materials from more than one Atlantic County household, so residents can help a family member or neighbor to save travel time and gas.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.acua.com/hhw for a comprehensive list of accepted items. Items should be placed in a recyclable or disposable container, such as a cardboard box, that can be safely removed from the vehicle and discarded. Containers will not be returned.
To safely package and transport household hazardous waste, follow these guidelines: keep all products in original containers or other container if not possible; wrap leaking containers in newspaper and place in plastic bag or garbage container; place items securely in a box for transport; keep chemicals which could react with one another separated; and do not leave materials in hot, unventilated areas for long periods of time.
The maximum amount of household hazardous material allowed for disposal is 20 gallons and/or 200 pounds (dry weight) per household.
ACUA will also be accepting reusable bags at the drop-off event. Residents with extra reusable bags they no longer need can donate them at the event. Bags should be clean, have no tears and no tags. The bags will be delivered to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Egg Harbor Township location where reusable bags are needed.
The last drop-off scheduled for the year will be held Nov. 4.
For more information, please call 609-272-6950 or visit the ACUA’s website at www.acua.com/hhw.
