Township hosts hazardous waste day Saturday

Bloomfield Township will hold a hazardous waste drop off day at the township campus, 4200 Telegraph Road, on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is only open to township residents. Identification is required. Most households contain materials that can be hazardous and must be disposed of carefully. Improper disposal can be dangerous to people and the environment. For years, it was common for homeowners to throw chemicals into the trash, onto the ground or down the drain. While it seemed the amount from an individual household was small, the cumulative effect was significant. A typical community the size of Bloomfield Township discards two tons of toilet bowl cleaner, seven tons of liquid household cleaner and two tons of motor oil each month. 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. Bloomfield Township will be accepting the following hazardous waste materials: oil based paints and stains; paint thinners; herbicides and pesticides; household cleaners; batteries; motor oils; gasoline; pool chemicals; ammonia; anti-freeze; transmission fluid; brake fluid; mercury; aerosol cans; fire extinguishers; propane; solvents; wood stripper; CFL light bulbs. For questions, contact the township at 248.594.2800.