9,480 Pounds Of Household Hazardous Waste Dropped Off In Milford

MILFORD, MA—Roughly 50 residents delivered 9,480 pounds of household hazardous waste at the Milford Board of Health’s Household Hazardous Waste collection event that was held on Saturday, announced the board.

The weight that was reported does not include paint that was collected at the transfer facility on this same day.

Residents were given the opportunity to dispose of their household generated hazardous waste at no cost. Through the efforts of the Milford Board of Health, Milford is one of the very few municipalities throughout the State that does not charge residents for disposal of this type of waste, said the announcement.

"The Milford Board of Health believes Household Hazardous Waste collection is an important component of Milford’s recycling program. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste (HHW). Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them."

Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. The Milford Board of Health holds this event annually to make it convenient for residents to legally dispose of such “hard to get rid of” materials and thus help prevent pollution that could endanger human health and the environment.

Information and photo submitted by Milford Board of Health