Pennsylvania Resources Council will launch its 2023 household chemical collection campaign on Saturday, April 15, with a drive-thru event at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh-area residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other products containing potentially hazardous components.
This first collection of 2023, presented by PPG and Pittsburgh Penguins, will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena’s surface parking lots in Uptown. This is the third consecutive collection at the arena.
“It’s critical to divert household chemicals from landfills since many contain toxic elements that can leach into our waterways or introduce dangerous toxic materials into our environment,” PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman stated in a news release. “Since launching household chemical collection events in 2003, PRC and its many partners have facilitated the safe management of 6.5 million pounds of household chemicals collected at more than 100 events.”
At the April 15 event, a $20 fee will cover the cost of disposing up to 10 gallons or 50 pounds of aerosol cans, automotive fluids, chemistry sets, gasoline and kerosene, household cleaners, mercury thermometers, paint products, pesticides/garden chemicals, photo chemicals and pool chemicals. Loads exceeding 10 gallons or 50 pounds will be subject to additional fees at the discretion of on-site staff.
Participants must register in advance at www.prc.org/CollectionEvents.
Last year’s sold-out event helped more than 500 households get rid of their household chemical waste. PRC and its partners want that to continue this year.
“As part of PPG’s ongoing focus on sustainable business practices and product stewardship, we encourage community members to safely and responsibly dispose of any unused paint products,” said Jennifer Dodson, PPG director, customer sustainability, stated in a news release. “We applaud Pennsylvania Resources Council for taking the initiative and providing a convenient and effective way to properly dispose of these types of common household products.”
When preparing to attend this event, participants should pack all materials in their car trunks or truck beds and then stay in their vehicles while the contractor unloads the materials. The certified contractor will process the hazardous wastes for proper disposal.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an average home can easily accumulate 100 pounds or more of cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other products containing potentially hazardous components. While these products are safe to use if proper precautions are taken, problems generally arise via improper use or disposal.
Upcoming 2023 PRC household chemical collections will take place May 6 in North Park, Allegheny County; May 20 in Cambria County; June 17 in Fayette County; June 24 in Washington County; Aug. 19 in Boyce Park, Allegheny County; Sept. 9 in South Park, Allegheny County; and Oct. 14 in Beaver County.
The 2023 PRC household chemical collection campaign is sponsored by Allegheny County Health Department, Allegheny County Parks Department, Beaver County Commissioners, 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.
For more information about the April 15 collection event, visit www.prc.org/ppg or call PRC at 412-488-7490, ext. 7.
The PUP is the publication of the striking workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
