A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is held one day in early fall each year in Patriot’s Way, near the railroad station, in New Milford.  The 2014 Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held Sept. 13.

The event, which is open to the towns of New Milford, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Roxbury, Sherman, Warren and Washington, is held rain or shine. Residents must bring proof of residence. The contractor and the towns reserve the right to reject some materials or impose disposal fees. Businesses and institutions may not bring materials to the event.  All substances must be labeled and in their original containers. A licensed transporter will safely dispose of or recycle all household waste dropped off during the collection.

Items that may be brought to the parking lot include drain or oven cleaners, old chemistry sets, metal polish, arts and crafts supplies, photo chemicals, floor cleaners, dry cleaning fluids, wood preservatives, wood strippers, septic system cleaners and paint thinner.

Other eligible items include rust preservatives, oil-based paints, transmission fluid, solvents or degreasers, sealant, antifreeze, engine and radiator cleaners, barbecue propane cylinders, cell phones, chips from removed lead-based paint (in plastic bag), dioxin seven or 2, 4 or 5T, kerosene and latex paint.

Pesticides and herbicides in five-gallon or small containers, insect spray and rodent killers, pool chemicals, muriatic acid, no-pest strips and PCB contaminated items may also be brought to the parking lot.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs and fluorescent light bulbs may also be dropped off at the event.  Rechargeable batteries will be accepted. Latex and oil based paints are accepted.  In addition, latex and oil based paints are accepted at Taylor Hardware and Sherwin William paint stores in New Milford at no charge during normal store hours. 

Residents are reminded not to bring alkaline batteries, ammunition or fireworks, asbestos, car batteries, controlled substances/drugs, electronics, explosives and highly reactive materials, Freon or unknown gases, garbage, infectious medical waste, motor oil, radioactive materials, smoke detectors and tires. 

To learn how to dispose of these items, visit www.newmilfordhealth.org.

Persons interested in attending the hazardous waste event should enter the parking lot from Bridge Street and will exit onto Young’s Field Road. For more information, call the New Milford Health Department at 860-355-6035.