Waste drop-off day set for NT community

North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas recently announced North Tonawanda's "Special Waste Drop-Off Day" will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Department of Public Works facility, 758 Erie Ave.

The event is sponsored by state Sen. Robert G. Ortt, Pappas and the Niagara County Refuse Disposal District. It will include the collection of household hazardous waste items, such as latex and oil paint, wood stains, automotive fluids, pesticides, fertilizers, household cleaners, driveway sealer and pool and photo chemicals.

Dawn Timm, Niagara County Environmental coordinator, said the collection effort for the past three years has been a tremendous success with over 1,200 cars passing through and depositing over 110,000 pounds of household chemicals.

"On behalf of Sen. Ortt, the Niagara County Legislature, North Tonawanda Common Council and the Department of Public Works, I would like to invite everyone from North Tonawanda to take advantage of this opportunity," Pappas said. "My administration is committed to being environmentally friendly and providing our residents ways to safely dispose of materials that are harmful to our environment and community." 

"This event is a great opportunity for residents to safely and responsibly dispose their hazardous chemicals," Ortt said. "Oftentimes, dangerous household items are dumped illegally in a field or trash can, posing a threat to others and our environment. We encourage community members to help protect the public from potential harm by coming out April 30 to drop off unwanted and dangerous items in a safe manner."

Niagara County legislators Randy R. Bradt, Richard L. Andres and Kathryn L. Lance, who helped secure Niagara County Refuse District resources for the collection effort, praised the joint county-municipal effort.

"Eliminating hazardous waste from our residents' homes and neighborhoods is a worthwhile goal for both county and city government," Bradt said. "We appreciate the strong communication and cooperation provided by city officials and Refuse District employees."

Lance said, "These collection events are an excellent opportunity for residents to take advantage of critical service to rid their homes of potentially harmful and undesired chemicals."

"I'm happy that the county and city can join forces and combine resources to benefit our citizens and the environment," Andres said.

Residents who wish to participate in this year's event must schedule an appointment at www.rethinkyourwaste.com or call the Niagara County parks division at 716-439-7250.