Collection Event Brings in 73,000 Pounds of Household Hazardous Waste

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority gathered more than 73,000 pounds of household hazardous waste during its annual collection event on Friday and Saturday.

According to CCRRA, the event also brought in enough fluorescent tubes that, laid end-to-end, would span 4.5 miles.

For more than 20 years, the authority has held the collection event to allow residents to safely dispose of insecticides, weed killers, pool chemicals, antifreeze, cleaners, poisons, corrosives, flammables, oil based paints, CFL bulbs, fluorescent tubes and most other hazardous household chemicals.

This year’s collection saw 904 vehicles arrive at the free drop-off, with residents from all 35 Centre County municipalities and some from surrounding counties participating.

Resident feedback was positive, according to CCRRA, and many expressed appreciation for the quick, friendly service of staff who at times had to work in the rain.

“The constant rain didn’t keep residents from attending our yearly event,” Joanne Shafer, the authority’s deputy executive director and recycling coordinator, said. “Residents thanked us throughout the weekend for offering such a helpful service. We are happy to continue to offer this event as a means for proper disposal or recycling of harmful products.”

CCRRA will hold its next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in the spring of 2024. Information on dates and registration will be released early next year.