CAUTION
Explosives or highly reactive materials may be dangerous. If you have these types of materials, call first for safety instructions. DO NOT bring these materials without prior authorization! These dangerous items include, but are not limited to, picric acid, isopropyl ether, calcium carbide, perchloric acid and benzoyl peroxide.

This page provides an overview of the need for safe disposal and tips on how to handle hazardous materials. Keep the following in mind when you shop and when you are ready to dispose of products.

IF YOU MUST PURCHASE TOXICS

There are times when products with toxic ingredients can not be avoided. In such cases, be sure to read the product label very carefully and . . .

• Always use the product according to the directions provided by the manufacturer.
• Try to buy only the amount needed. Use up the product whenever you can.
• Store the product carefully in its original container.
• Consider donating any extra product, or sharing it with a neighbor or friend.

SOME PRODUCTS ARE RECYCLABLE

Many common items we think of as household hazardous waste such as batteries and used motor oil are actually recyclable!

BUT IN PASSAIC COUNTY WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH . . .

• Antifreeze - Keep in the original container and recycle at a County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or through a hazardous waste disposal firm.
• Asbestos - Asbestos removal and disposal should be handled by a State licensed contractor. A listing, as well as more in-depth information, may be obtained from the State Office of Asbestos Control and Licensing at 609-984-2193. Small amounts, in double plastic bags, may be taken directly to an authorized landfill:
  
  • Grand Central Sanitation
    1963 Pen Argyl Rd.
    Pen Argyl, PA 18072
    610-863-6057
  • G.R.O.W.S. Landfill
    1000 New Ford Mill Rd.
    Morrisville, PA 19067
    215-736-9400
    
• Brake Fluid - Keep in the original container and recycle at a County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or through a hazardous waste disposal firm.
• Car Batteries - Most auto scrap dealers will accept batteries for recycling at no charge and some offer a rebate. Look in the yellow pages under scrap or auto parts dealers.
• Freon - Contact: Al's Appliance & Scrap Removal, 155 McBride Ave., Paterson, NJ 07501 (973-684-3066) or a local air conditioner or refrigeration dealer.
• Household Batteries (rechargeable) - Call 1-800-8-BATTERY for the nearest drop-off point.
• Household Cleaners and Oven Cleaners - READ THE LABEL FOR DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS. If highly toxic, keep in the original containers and dispose of them at a County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or through a hazardous waste disposal firm.
• Latex or Water Based Paints and Stains - THESE ARE NOT CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS WASTE! If the paint or stain is fully dried, containers can be put in the trash. To dry wet paint or stain, take the lid off the can and let all the water evaporate in a well ventilated area. Material such as kitty litter, saw dust or shredded paper will help to absorb water more quickly.
• Motor Oil/Used - Quantities of 5 gallons or less should be accepted by any local gas station licensed by the State for reinspections for recycling but remember. . .being a regular or paying customer at the time of drop off should be considered. Also, many municipalities accept used motor oil, so call your local Recycling Coordinator.
• Oil Based Paints - Keep them in the original container and dispose of them at a County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or through a hazardous waste disposal firm.
• Paint Thinners and Solvents - Keep them in the original container and dispose of them at a County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or through a hazardous waste disposal firm.
• Pesticides and Pool Chemicals - Keep them in the original container and dispose of them at a County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or through a hazardous waste disposal firm.
• Propane Containers - Scrap metal dealers may accept these containers if they are empty. Containers with propane can be taken to a propane dealer so that they can be emptied safely.
  
  • Suburban Propane
    St. Hwy. 17
    Mahwah, NJ
    201-529-3500
    FOR A FEE
  • Eastern Propane
    55 Oak Ridge Rd
    Oak Ridge, NJ
    973-697-3111
    FREE OF CHARGE
  • United Rental
    191 Route 23
    Pompton Plains, NJ
    973-839-1200
    FREE OF CHARGE
    
• Smoke Detectors - Most companies will take back their product for proper disposal. For more information call the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at 610-377-5000.
• Stains and Varnishes - Keep them in the original container and dispose of them at a County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or through a hazardous waste disposal firm.
• Tires - Call your Municipality or Recycling Coordinator for information on local collection programs. A number of local dealers accept tires from individuals for a small fee.
• Transmission Fluids - Keep it in the original container and recycle at a County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or through a hazardous waste disposal firm.
• Oil Contaminated Soil (ID 27) - Contact the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Technical Assistance 609-984-6620. They will advise individuals on the tests that are necessary to determine contamination levels and the appropriate disposal method for the soil. If not heavily contaminated, the soil can and should be recycled. The Passaic County Transfer Stations can not accept ID 27 contaminated soil.

This information was obtained from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and from local retailers and vendors. For further information on specific products contact the manufacturer or the technical staff at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at 609-292-8341.

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This program provides ideas on safer product choices and as a way to cut down on the unnecessary purchase of hazardous materials. The following information will provide you with an overview of what to consider.

Many toxic and potentially hazardous chemicals can be found in products we use every day and have right in our own homes.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the average American home has as many as 63 different types of chemicals, generating as much as 15 pounds of hazardous waste every year.

Household hazardous wastes are materials that, because of their chemical nature, can be a potential health risk to people and the environment. In Passaic County dispose of these materials in a safe manner by calling the Passaic County Recycling and Environmental Hotline at 973-881-4508 for the date of the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Each of us can make different choices when we shop to eliminate the use of many of these toxic chemicals by not purchasing them to begin with.

Look for the words CAUSTIC, TOXIC, POISON OR CORROSIVE. If another more natural product is available and will do the same job then disposal is no longer a problem.

Safe and effective substitutes for toxic products are available and have been used for years with great success. But there is an added bonus . . . you’ll save money !

MANY PRODUCTS CAN BE RECYCLED

Even though there are no substitutes, the following products can and should be recycled:

• Antifreeze
• Car batteries
• Household batteries
• Used motor oil

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Keeping A Clean and Green Machine

This program is geared for high school students who are preparing to learn how to drive and provides ideas on proper disposal of auto products as well as safer product choices. Take a moment to review the following auto care tips and ideas.

Cars contribute to many of the environmental problems we face such as air pollution, water pollution and rapidly filling landfill space.

You can cut down on the negative impacts of owning and driving an automobile, as well as cut down on operating costs, with just a few simple maintenance tips.

• Keep Your Car Tuned. A well-tuned car uses as much as 10% less gas than a poorly tuned one, keeping about 1/2 ton of carbon dioxide emissions a year out of our atmosphere.

• Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly. Under-inflated tires not only cause a poor ride, premature wear and unnecessary air pollution, but also waste up to 5% of your gas. As many as half the cars on the road may have under-inflated tires, wasting 4.75 billion dollars of gasoline a year.

• Use Non-toxic Car Care Products. Quite a bit of hazardous waste could be eliminated by using cleaning products made with more natural ingredients.

• Stay Fuel Efficient to Save Money. Driving at higher speeds uses extra gallons of gasoline, so that slowing down will mean fewer fill-ups. You can also save gasoline by letting your car warm up and avoiding jackrabbit starts.

• Recycle Used Motor Oil. Used motor oil is one of the largest sources of oil pollution to our ground water. Most of this comes from improper disposal by do-it-yourselfers. According to the USEPA, one gallon of oil can contaminate a million gallons of ground water. . . a years supply of drinking water for 50 people.

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