Township hazardous waste day October 6

Bloomfield Township will hold a hazardous waste day at its campus on Saturday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., where residents can drop off toxic chemicals which cannot be tossed in the trash.

The drop-off site is the Department of Public Works (DPW) parking lot. Drop-off is for residents only, and proof of residency will be required.

Bloomfield Township offers the opportunity for two different hazardous waste days a year, as most households contain some materials which are hazardous and must be disposed of carefully. Improper disposal can be dangerous to both people and the environment. For years, homeowners would throw chemicals into the trash, onto the ground or down the drain, but unfortunately, landfills, storm drains and sewage treatment plants are not designed to treat chemical wastes. Without special treatment, the chemicals may stay in the environment and move into recreational and drinking water supplies.

Among the commonly accepted materials residents can drop off include: oil-based paints and stains; paint thinners; herbicides; pesticides; household cleaners; freon appliances, for a fee of $50 per appliance; batteries; motor oil; pool chemicals; medications; ammonia; gasoline; antifreeze; transmission fluid; brake fluid; mercury; used computers; printers; aerosol cans; propane; solvents; wood strippers; electronics;and used needs, if in a rigid, puncture proof container.