MONTICELLO – Residentially-generated hazardous household materials can be dangerous to people and the environment if stored for extensive periods of time or disposed of improperly, notes Sullivan County Recycling Coordinator Bill Cutler.

“This includes everyday pesticides, mercury-containing items, cleaning products, pool chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, lead-based/oil-based paints, solvents, acids, bases, herbicides, old fuels (stale gasoline/2-cycle fuel mix), consumer & automotive batteries, antifreeze and preservatives, just to name a few,” he says.

With that in mind, the Sullivan County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling, with the support of the Sullivan County Legislature and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, is pleased to announce that it will host one no-fee residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Sunday, October 24, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Monticello Transfer Station’s Scalehouse area, 91 Landfill Drive, Monticello.

This program is open to individuals with residences in Sullivan County ONLY, and two forms of ID proving residency will be required (for example, a driver’s license and a utility bill from the Sullivan County property). Pre-registration is NOT REQUIRED this year, but COVID-19 safety protocols will be in effect.

The following items will NOT be accepted: explosives, ammunition, fuel tanks of any kind (including propane), radioactive wastes, medical wastes, medical “sharps,” pharmaceuticals/ medications, latex paint, household garbage, tires, bulky waste, asbestos materials and commercial, agricultural/industrial wastes, and anything in individual containers larger than 5 U.S. gallons in size.

Please call (845) 807-0291 with questions between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays prior to October 22.

A private contractor has been selected by the County to conduct all cleanup operations, including site safety, waste analysis, materials packaging, transport, waste manifesting and site security. Important safety and contact information will be available at the Monticello Transfer Station Scalehouse during the event.

“This is something most of us should do every year, and this is the perfect opportunity to clean out that shed, garage or closet,” affirms District 7 Legislator Joe Perrello, chair of the Legislature’s Public Works Committee. “I’ll be doing just that on the 24th!”

“If you’re a Sullivan County resident or homeowner, please feel free to participate in this environmentally-beneficial cleanup program!” Cutler encourages. “If you’d like to know more about this or any recycling issue, I welcome calls at (845) 807-0291.”