Niagara County to collect household hazardous waste

Residents may schedule turn-in, utilize new voucher system

Niagara County is rolling out a new voucher system for household hazardous waste collection, Infrastructure and Facilities Committee Chairman John Syracuse and Refuse District Committee Chairman Mike Hill announced. The program officially begins May 1 and runs through Aug. 31.

The program - offered countywide - will utilize an online voucher program that allows residents to schedule an appointment to drop off up to 50 pounds of household hazardous waste materials at a collection site in the City of Tonawanda. Overages may be turned in, but at a cost of $.75 per pound.

"Keeping our homes safe - particularly for our youngest residents - is a priority for this county government," Syracuse said announcing the program's rollout. "This program provides a service to our residents that is convenient and protects our environment."

To utilize the program, residents may obtain a voucher by visiting www.rethinkyourwaste.com to apply for a voucher and schedule an appointment online. Residents will then receive a voucher by email entitling them to turn in up to 50 pounds of household hazardous wastes for free.

The turn-in site is Hazman, located at 177 Wales Ave., Tonawanda.

Only one voucher will be issued per household. Residents may not use multiple vouchers, and must present proof of residence at turn-in, such as a state driver's license or a utility bill.

"Our goal in establishing this program was to make this process simple for county residents," Hill said.

Items identified as household hazardous waste for turn-in include oil-based paint, fluorescent bulbs, spray paint, aerosols, paint thinners, stain, cleaners, solvents, pesticides, gasoline, acids and bases, glues, resins, adhesives, and devices containing mercury.

Latex paint will not be accepted. Alkaline batteries, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, electronics, tires, smoke detectors, and waste oil may be turned in for an additional fee.

A flyer with more information can be downloaded HERE.

Additional household hazardous waste collection events are planned for the fall.