While Household Hazardous Materials are considered safe by state and federal government for their intended use, they can cause environmental problems when improperly disposed. The BCRC manages the household hazardous waste (HHW) collection days for 6 Northshire towns. Shaftsbury and Pownal manage their own HHW collection days. To determine whether a product in your household may be HHW, read the labels of products you buy and look for the words "Poison", "Danger", "Warning" or "Caution". Typically any product which is reactive, corrosive, poisonous or flammable is categorized as HHW.

This page will be updated periodically to tell you where and when the next HHW collection day will be. We will also provide periodic advice on environmentally preferable products to replace HHWs. For example, have you considered replacing your household cleaners with more environmentally friendly cleaners? Check out the Ecover web page and their product line. Baking soda is a great non-toxic cleaner and you can combine it with Vinegar to cut through grease. Another tip is to avoid garden fertilizers by using the material generated from composting to promote healthy plants.

An electronic recycling day will be held in Dorset on May 14, 2011. Download the flyer for more information.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, April 30, 2011. For more information, visit the DEA web page

For more information about the safe disposal of Sharps and Syringes, click on the link.

Ham's Helpful Hazmat Hints: Latex vs. Oil Paint

Oil paint is considered hazardous waste. Do not put it in your trash or empty it anywhere. If your oil paint is good, give it to a friend or neighbor to use or donate it to a local paint swap or second hand shop. Disposal of oil based paint: Take it only to an organized hazardous waste collection! Latex paint is not hazardous. It will not be accepted at a hazardous waste collection. If your latex paint is good, give it to a friend or neighbor or donate it to a paint swap or second hand shop. Many people would be glad to use it and not have to buy a new gallon! Disposal of latex paint: Open the can and dump kitty litter or sawdust into the paint. When the paint is absorbed, solid and relatively dry it can be discarded with your regular trash.