8 PRC collection events aim to keep household chemicals and hard-to-recycle items out of landfills

One way to beat this prolonged summer heat is to head to the cool basement and clear out any chemicals and electronic devices no longer used or needed.

Residents probably will find more of those items in their garages and sheds, as well as tires and other items that are hard to recycle.

The Pennsylvania Resources Council has scheduled eight collection events for residents to responsibly dispose of this wide variety of materials and keep them out of landfills. Four of each are planned, and they begin July 27 and continue through October.

Early notice of the events is necessary as preregistration is required. It helps PRC plan for the quantities to expect at the events and prepare. Fees and quantities permitted are listed on the PRC website, which notes that these fees cover less than 25% of the program’s cost. The remaining costs are supported by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, county government sponsors, and through grants from charitable foundations and contributors.

Contractors who know how to handle the materials work the events. Participants can load what they want to dispose of in their vehicles’ trunks or truck beds and remain in line in their vehicle at the events as those contractors unload the materials, the website explains.

Since 2003, PRC has hosted the Household Chemical Collection Events in southwestern Pennsylvania. The program is made possible by the support of many partners and volunteers. The events have directly resulted in the safe management of 6 million pounds of household chemicals, according to the PRC website. The Hard-to-Recycle Collections started the same year.

“PRC provides residents with numerous options for the recycling and safe management of a wide variety of materials not accepted in curbside pickup,” according to PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman in the 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 resources.”

Hard-to-Recycle Collections

Collecting tires, polystyrene packaging material, fluorescent tubes, small Freon appliances, televisions, computers and other materials. Fees charged to recycle materials. Visit website for complete details.

All events take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

July 27: Leetsdale Industrial Park, Leetsdale.
Aug. 10: Elizabeth Forward Middle School, Elizabeth Township.
Sept. 28: Settlers Cabin Wave Pool, Robinson.
Oct. 5: Next Tier Connect @ Pittsburgh East, Monroeville.

Household Chemical Collections

Collecting automotive fluids, e-cigarettes/vapes, household cleaners, pesticides, paints and other household chemicals. Fees charged to recycle materials. Visit website for complete details.

All events take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.