Finally, the calendar has turned to spring. That gives many people the incentive to clean out unwanted items, and the Pennsylvania Resources Council and its partners have scheduled collections to help them dispose of e-waste, small Freon appliances, household chemicals and more.

Dates have been set so residents can register to drop off a wide variety of materials — ranging from computers and tires to household chemicals and smoke detectors — at upcoming events sponsored by PRC and its partners.

“PRC provides residents with numerous options for the recycling and safe management of a wide variety of materials not accepted in curbside pickup, including TVs, tires and household chemicals,” according to PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman via a news release. “It’s important to manage these materials the right way because many contain toxic elements that can leach into our waterways or introduce dangerous toxins into our environment, while others contain valuable recyclable materials.

“We encourage residents to join PRC as we work together to protect the environment by responsibly stewarding tons of materials throughout 2023,” Spielman said. “Register to attend one or more collections and consider expanding your involvement this year by volunteering at a PRC event and contributing to our mission.”

These are drive-thru events. Participants should place items in their car trunks or truck beds and stay in their vehicles while contractors unload the materials. PRC accepts cash, checks, credit and debit cards.

For event information and registration links, visit www.prc.org/collectionevents.

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL COLLECTIONS

LAUNCH: Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena surface parking lots, Uptown.

Individuals can drop off automotive fluids, household cleaners, pesticides, paints and other household chemicals. A $20 fee covers disposal of up to 10 gallons/50 pounds of material per vehicle. Loads exceeding 10 gallons/50 pounds will be subject to additional fees at discretion of on-site staff.

Other regional 2023 household chemical collection events, which also take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., are:

  • May 6 — North Park pool lot, McCandless.
  • May 20 — Concurrent Technologies Corp. ETF Facility, Johnstown, Cambria County.
  • June 17 — Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, North Union Township.
  • June 24 — Wild Things Park, North Franklin, Washington County.
  • Aug. 19 — Boyce Park ski lodge lot, Plum.
  • Sept. 9 — South Park wave pool lot, Bethel Park.

Participants must register in advance at www.prc.org/collectionevents or by calling 412-488-7490, ext. 1.

The 2023 PRC household chemical collection campaign is sponsored by Allegheny County Health Department, Allegheny County Parks Department, Cambria County Solid Waste Authority, Fayette County Commissioners, Fayette County Conservation District, Washington County Planning Commission, Colcom Foundation, LANXESS, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania American Water, PPG and Pittsburgh Penguins, UPMC, Concurrent Technologies Corp., Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, PPG Paints Arena, Washington Wild Things, Washington County Family Entertainment, and 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA.

HARD-TO-RECYCLE COLLECTIONS

LAUNCH: Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, Frazer.

For a $5 participant fee, individuals can drop off unlimited cell/home phones, computer towers and peripheral equipment (keyboards, laptops, mice, etc.), expanded polystyrene packaging material, microwave ovens, video game consoles/DVD players and glass bottles, jars and jugs.

For a fee, individuals can drop off televisions and computer monitors, printers, fluorescent tubes, small Freon appliances and tires (with and without rims). Note: The $5 participant fee will be waived if an individual pays a fee to dispose of any of these materials.

Several other regional 2023 hard-to-recycle collection events take place, also from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., as follows:

  • Aug. 26 — Next Tier Connect @ Pittsburgh East, Monroeville.
  • Oct. 7 — Settlers Cabin Park, Robinson.

Participants must register in advance at www.prc.org/collectionevents or by calling 412-488-7490, ext. 1.

The 2023 PRC hard-to-recycle collection campaign is sponsored by Allegheny County Health Department, Colcom Foundation, Frazer Township, Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, LANXESS, Pennsylvania American Water, and 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA.

WEEKDAY E-WASTE COLLECTIONS IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY

For a $5 participant fee, individuals will be able to drop off unlimited cell/home phones, computer towers and peripheral equipment (keyboards, laptops, mice, etc.) and video game consoles/DVD players.

For a fee, individuals can drop off televisions, computer monitors and printers, as follows:

  • All computer monitors (flat screen & CRT) — $20 each.
  • Televisions — $30 each.
  • Console or rear projection TVs — $40 each.
  • Printers — $5 each.

NOTE: The $5 participant fee will be waived if the individual pays for disposal of TV, tires or other materials listed in the fee section above.

The dates and locations for the 2023 weekday e-waste collection schedule will be announced later. Participants must register in advance at www.prc.org/collectionevents or by calling 412-488-7490, ext. 1, for those as well.

The 2023 PRC weekday e-waste collection campaign is sponsored by Allegheny County Health Department and Allegheny County Parks Department.

All types and colors of glass bottles, jugs and jars can be thrown together into blue recycling dumpsters. Pennsylvania Resources Council coordinates permanent bins and a traveling program in Western Pennsylvania. (Courtesy of Pennsylvania Resources Council)
Pittsburgh Union Progress

The PUP is the publication of the striking workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Pittsburgh Union Progress

The PUP is the publication of the striking workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.