OXFORD – Late June flooding brought some residents to areas of their basements they haven’t seen in a long time. Once there, some found items they haven’t seen in just as long.
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency recently set up two collection sites for household hazardous waste in Chenango County that will help flood victims get rid of the types of things that don’t belong in the trash can. Those who found cans of paint and other chemicals on their property during the flooding are now able to properly dispose of them, free of charge.
“All that stuff needs to be disposed of in a proper way. It just can’t be thrown in the garbage like regular trash,” EPA spokesperson Leo Rosales said.
Rosales said that although the Bainbridge and Oxford sites have been open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week, many in the community are not aware of them. The Bainbridge and Oxford collection sites have taken residence in the state Department of Transportation buildings on state Routes 26 and 12, respectively.
Household hazardous waste that can be brought to the sites includes: batteries, paint, workshop supplies, cleaning and pool supplies, lawn and gardening products, pesticides, thermometers and thermostats, automotive products, fluorescent light bulbs, explosives, ammunition, gasoline, oil, solvents, and other hazardous chemicals commonly found in the home. The EPA suggests putting any leaking containers in sealable bags and writing on the containers what they contain.
Items not appropriate for drop-off at disposal sites include: animal manure and carcasses, human waste or other biological waste, anything blood related, home IVs or tubing, dialysis equipment, needles or other sharp items, spoiled food, mold-damaged items, tires, furniture, appliances, general garbage and construction debris.
For more information on the sites and how to clean-up safely, visit www.epa.gov/region02. Questions can also be directed to the EPA at 800-462-6553.