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ALBANY---Nearly $2.4 million in grants to 21 municipalities and solid waste authorities to promote the collection and proper disposal of household hazardous wastes have been awarded by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The grant funding is provided from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
"Ensuring that hazardous materials are handled and disposed of in the proper environmentally-sound manner is critical for the continued safety of New Yorkers and the health of our natural resources," DEC Commissioner Denise Sheehan said. "It is important to continue providing a the resources municipalities need to continue important programs that collect and recycle household hazardous wastes for the health and safety of our communities."
Many commonly used household hazardous waste products contain some of the same chemical components that are otherwise regulated as hazardous waste when generated by industry. These household products can pose hazards to the consumer and to the environment if they are not properly handled, stored and discarded. The best approach to managing household hazardous waste is through local community educational outreach programs that keep residents informed of how to safely and properly dispose of hazardous products.
Since 1995, New York State has committed more than $23.8 million to help communities safely collect household hazardous wastes to prevent future environmental problems. Municipal collection programs remove household cleaners, paint and related products, automobile maintenance wastes, pesticides, batteries, and hobby and pool chemicals.
Municipal household hazardous waste programs can include single-day collection events, or the establishment of permanent collection facilities. The 21 communities receiving grants today will provide 57 single-day collection events and an additional 560 days of operation at three permanent collection facilities. Over the past five years, approximately 48 million pounds (24,000 tons) of household hazardous waste has been collected by local governments and prevented from entering the environment.
Household hazardous waste grants provide 50% of the costs associated with the household waste collection and disposal programs, with local governments providing the balance of the program costs. For additional information on State assistance for household hazardous waste programs, municipalities or public authorities, contact DEC's Bureau of Solid Waste, Reduction and Recycling at (518) 402-8705 or visit http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/redrecy/hhw.htm on DEC's website.
A list of grant recipients and amounts follows.
2006-07 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE GRANT RECIPIENTS
ALBANY COUNTY
Town of Bethlehem - $130,000
Town of Guilderland - $35,022
BROOME COUNTY
Broome County - $181,250
ERIE COUNTY
Erie County - $70,000
Northeast Southtowns Board of Erie County - $57,500
GENESEE, LIVINGSTON, ORLEANS AND WYOMING (GLOW) COUNTIES
GLOW Solid Waste Management Committee - $45,000
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Jefferson County - $11,000
LEWIS COUNTY
Lewis County - $10,000
MADISON COUNTY
Madison County - $10,900
NIAGARA COUNTY
Town of Wheatfield - $15,000
ONONDAGA COUNTY
Town of Skaneateles - $12,400
OTSEGO COUNTY
Otsego County - $85,000
RENSSELAER COUNTY
Town of Schodack - $12,000
ROCKLAND COUNTY
Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority - $1,200,000
SARATOGA COUNTY
City of Saratoga Springs - $15,500
Town of Clifton Park - $93,000
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY
St. Lawrence County - $12,200
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Town of Islip - $165,000
Town of Shelter Island - $49,600
TOMPKINS COUNTY
Tompkins County - $136,000
WAYNE COUNTY
Western Finger Lakes Solid Waste Management Authority - $11,000
TOTAL: $ 2,357,372 12-30-06
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© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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