Tickets are now available for area residents to participate in a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. The event will be held at the Torrington Middle School at 200 Middle School Drive (located off Rte. 183) on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All participants must obtain a ticket from Town Hall to participate. No one will be admitted to the event without a ticket.

To enhance safety at this event, a number of corona virus safeguards have been put in place. Participants should: 1) be ready to show your ticket upon entry from your closed driver’s side window, 2) stay in your vehicle at all times and keep your windows rolled up, 3) wear a face mask at all times, and 4) place all waste material to be removed in the rear compartment of your vehicle, not in passenger areas. In addition, only place items you want removed at the back of your vehicle. No containers will be poured out and returned to residents at this event. Workers will remove the waste from the back of your vehicle and be in full safety gear. 

It is important to keep in mind that many of the products routinely used for housework, gardening, home improvement, or car maintenance contain hazardous materials that may endanger our health as well as pollute the environment. Household products are considered hazardous if they are toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive. Examples of such products include pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paints, degreasers, household cleaners, paint thinners, and gasoline. 

Improper disposal of these hazardous household products, such as pouring them down the drain or putting them in the trash, is dangerous and may contribute to drinking water contamination and air pollution. 

The Collection Day provides an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted quantities of such products. Please note that propane tanks, fluorescent bulbs, and electronic waste will not be accepted at this event. 

There is no charge to residents to participate; however, residents must pre-register and obtain a ticket. No one will be admitted to the event without a ticket. Registration is taking place now through Oct. 9. 

The event is being sponsored by the Recycling Advisory Committee of the Northwest Hills Council of Governments (NHCOG) and the participating towns. More details on the Collection Day can be obtained in a flyer available from the NHCOG’s website at northwesthillscog.org.