Hazardous wastes are items found in our homes, garages and outdoor sheds that are dangerous to our environment and cannot be disposed of in our everyday trash. For example, pesticides and solvents are dangerous substances that when inhaled or consumed can be life threatening. That is why the HCIA runs its semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program to help residents rid their homes of these materials.

Latex Paint no longer contains dangerous chemicals and is not classified as “hazardous.”  Since 2010, the HCIA has not accepted latex paint at its collections. Latex paint can be dried in the container and thrown out in the regular trash. Please leave the covers off for disposal.

Alkaline Batteries are no longer accepted. Please dispose of them in your regular garbage. Rechargeable batteries should be brought to the collection sites.

Items you can bring: pesticides; herbicides; corrosives; thinners; oil-based paint; pool chemicals; car batteries; rechargeable batteries; used motor oil; solvents; cleaners; full or partially full aerosol cans*; propane tanks (from barbecues only); fire extinguishers; formaldehyde; fluorescent tubes; CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps); auto and marine flares; thermostats; cell phones; mercury fever thermometers; automobile and marine flares; Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs); and computers.

*Empty aerosol cans should be thrown out in regular trash.

Items you cannot bring: latex paint (latex paints no longer contain hazardous materials or ingredients).; alkaline batteries (now fall below federal and state hazardous waste standards); explosives; ammunition; compressed gas; smoke detectors; infectious waste; asbestos; Woodlife; dioxin & kepone; Silvex 2, 4, 5-T; PCBs or TCCD; radioactive material; ballasts; washers and dryers; refrigerators and freezers; air conditioners; unknown materials; and unidentified materials.

There will also be a tire amnesty program.  Each car will be allowed to bring up to four tires.

The HCIA also invited residents to drop off used smoke detectors at this year’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

For more information, please call the Hudson County Improvement Authority’s Environmental Hotline at 201-324-6222, ext. 3257, or visit www.hcia.org.