Safely Dispose of Hazardous Waste with Barnstable County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program
Barnstable County’s Solution for Disposing Household Hazardous Waste Safely
Properly disposing of hazardous waste is crucial in protecting the environment and public health. Hazardous waste materials that are improperly disposed of can contaminate nearby land, air, and water sources, leading to a variety of environmental and health concerns. Fortunately, Barnstable County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program provides Cape Cod residents with a safe and convenient way to dispose of hazardous waste.
Household hazardous waste includes items such as oil-based paint, pesticides, cleaning solvents, and other products that feature warning labels for flammable, toxic, or corrosive ingredients. These materials should never be thrown away with regular garbage as they contaminate our groundwater and be dangerous for first responders.
24 Collection Dates Across Cape Cod Every Year
Barnstable County manages 24 collection events between the spring and fall where residents can drop off toxic materials free of charge. The events are open to residents of any Cape Cod town, with no registration or appointments required. The program accepts a wide range of materials, such as automotive fluids and batteries, electronics, mercury-containing devices like thermometers, fluorescent lamps and bulbs, propane tanks, and many more.
The household hazardous waste collected by the program is then safely transported to a licensed facility that will dispose of the waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Additionally, the program partners with organizations to recycle and reuse hazardous materials such as paint, motor oil, and other household chemicals.
Dispose Chemicals Safely = Protecting Cape Cod’s Water
Barnstable County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program not only provides residents with a way to safely dispose of hazardous waste but also helps prevent contamination of Cape Cod’s natural source of drinking water, our sole-source aquifer. Chemicals from everyday household products can seep into the ground and potentially contaminate the water supply. By participating in the program, residents can take an active role in protecting their local environment and the health of their community.
Barnstable County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program is an essential service that all Cape Cod residents should take advantage of. By properly disposing of household hazardous waste, we can help protect our environment and the health of our community. The program provides a safe and convenient way to get rid of toxic materials free of cost, and the waste is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. We encourage all residents to take part in the program and do our part in preserving our Cape Cod environment.
