Pennsylvania Resources Council will launch its 2024 household chemical collection campaign on Saturday, May 4, with a drive-thru event in Allegheny County to provide residents of Western Pennsylvania with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other products containing potentially hazardous components.

This year’s first PRC household chemical collection, presented in partnership with the Allegheny County Health Department, will take place on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Park, according to a PRC news release.

“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,” according to PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman in that 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 May 4 collection at the North Park swimming pool parking lot in McCandless, a $20 fee will cover the cost of disposing up to 10 gallons/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/50 pounds will be subject to additional fees at the discretion of on-site staff.

Participants must register in advance.

When preparing to attend this event, participants should pack all their materials in their car trunks or truck beds as they will 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. EPA, 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 2024 PRC household chemical collections will take place as follows:

  • June 8: Concurrent Technologies Corp. ETF Facility, Johnstown, Cambria County.
  • June 15: Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, North Union Township.
  • June 22: Wild Things Park, North Franklin Township, Washington County.
  • Aug. 17: Boyce Park Four Seasons Ski Lodge Parking Lot, in Boyce Park, Plum.
  • Sept. 7: South Park wave pool parking lot, Bethel Park.
  • Sept. 21: Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, North Union Township.
  • Oct. 12: Bradys Run Park Recycling Center, Brighton Township, Beaver County

The 2024 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, PA Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania American Water, UPMC, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, Washington Wild Things, Washington County Family Entertainment, and 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA.

For more information about the May 4 collection event, visit www.prc.org/CollectionEvents or call PRC at 412-488-7490.

Residents don’t need to leave their cars or trucks during the Pennsylvania Resources Council household chemical collection events, like this one in Boyce Park in 2023. PRC has certified contractors to help with the disposal. (Courtesy of PRC)
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.