Pennsylvania Resources Council will launch its 2025 household chemical collection campaign on April 12 with a drive-thru event in Butler County to provide residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other products containing potentially hazardous components.
This first PRC household chemical collection of the year will take place that Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Karns City Jr./Sr. High School, 1446 Kittanning Pike, Karns City, PA 16041.
Participants must register in advance at www.prc.org/CollectionEvents or by calling 412-488-7490.
“It’s important to divert these materials from landfills since many contain toxic elements that can leach into our waterways or introduce dangerous toxic chemicals into our environment,” PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman said 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 collection, a $20 fee will cover the cost of disposing every 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, according to the release. Loads exceeding 10 gallons/50 pounds will be subject to additional fees at the discretion of on-site staff.
PRC officials said 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.
Throughout the spring, summer and fall, PRC will conduct household chemical collections throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. Upcoming dates and locations will be announced after the schedules are set.
Presenting sponsors of this event are HF Sinclair and Sonneborn LLC, according to the release.
Other 2025 PRC household chemical collection campaign sponsors are 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, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania American Water, UPMC, Central Cambria School District, Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center and Karns City Area School District.
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