Household Chemical Collection Events

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL COLLECTION EVENTS WILL RESUME IN SPRING 2022

All events require pre-registration to attend. Registration for each event will be available one month prior to the event date. If you would like to be emailed when registration opens, please sign up for our email list.

Please Note: All Household Chemical Collection events are held on Saturdays April through October, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, rain or shine.

NEW PROCEDURES & FEE STRUCTURE

• Registration Required
• $20 fee for up 10 gallons/50 lbs per vehicle assessed on all participants*
• All items MUST be placed in car trunk or truck bed
• Remain in your vehicle at all times

* Oversized loads will be subject to additional charges at the discretion of on-site staff.  See Accepted Materials & Associated Cost section for details or email [email protected] with questions

Due to the ever changing COVID-19 outbreak, all event dates, locations, acceptable materials and associated fees are subject to change. Check back frequently for the most up-to-date list of PRC collections events, hours, fees, and list of acceptable materials.

We realize that our program schedule will not meet everyone’s needs. We strive to make our events accessible to the greatest number of people in the region we serve. If you are unable to attend, consider approaching a friend, neighbor, or relative for assistance.

2021 PRICING STRUCTURE
PRC has modified the fee structure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing a $20 fee per vehicle load of up to 10 gallons/50 lbs

 $20* fee covers disposal or the following materials (up 10 gallons/50 lbs per vehicle):

• Aerosol cans
• Automotive fluids (e.g., motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, kerosene, brake fluid)
• Batteries & Camp fuel/small propane bottles
• Chemistry sets & Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs: bulbs only- we do not accept fluorescent tubes)
• Gasoline and kerosene
• Household cleaners (ammonia, drain openers, acid cleaners, oven cleaners)
• Mercury thermometers
• Paint products (latex, oil based, alkyd based, arts/crafts chemicals, rust preservatives, creosote, water sealers, paint thinners, furniture strippers)
• Pesticides/garden (rodent killers, insecticides, weed killers, mothballs, fertilizer)
• Photo & Pool chemicals & Smoke Detectors

*ADDITIONAL FEES: $12 per fire extinguisher; $15 per pound of liquid mercury

*OVERSIZED LOADS will be subject to additional charges at the discretion of on-site staff

EXAMPLES OF AMOUNT OF MATERIAL ACCEPTED FOR $20:

Please note that we cannot accept items in leaky containers. 

Tip: To avoid spills and damage to your vehicle, never put leaky containers into your car. If possible, transfer materials to a new container. Preserve the label and place in a zippered plastic bag to keep with replacement container. If you can’t transfer the material, you can isolate the leaky item by placing it in a zippered plastic bag, plastic bucket, cardboard box, etc.

Materials NOT Accepted

• Ammunition
• Appliances
• Commercial and industrial waste
• Compressed gas cylinders (large grill/medical)
• Explosives
• Flares
• Fluorescent tubes
• Leaking containers
• Medical waste (including needles and sharps)
• Prescription or non-prescription drugs
• PCBs and dioxins
• Radioactive materials
• Tires

Associated Cost

PRC strives to keep the cost of these services as affordable as possible. Fees charged to event participants cover less than 25% of the programs cost. The remaining costs are supported by the State of PA, County Government sponsors, and through grants from charitable foundations and contributors.

For a great overview, check out “What to Expect at a Household Chemical Collection.”

Q: What type of materials do you take?  If so, what is the cost?

A:  We take various types of chemicals and hazardous waste.  The price for disposal of Household Chemical Waste will be different in 2021 due to modifications to our events relating to the COVID-19 outbreak and following guidelines set by the CDC to minimize interactions a the event. To see our complete list of fees, click on the Acceptable Material & Associated Fees tab on this page.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept at these events?

A.  We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.

Q: Is there anyone on-site to help me unload?

A:  Yes. The event is a drive-through event, so participants must stay in their vehicles. We work alongside Hazardous Waste Contractors on site who unload materials from all participant vehicles.

Q: Do you unload vehicles past 1 pm?

A: The line shuts at 1 pm, and everyone who is in line by 1 pm will have their materials unloaded.

Q: Why are fire extinguishers so expensive?

A: The complete fire extinguisher has to be dismantled. This starts with the de-pressurization of the extinguisher, then the valve & valve stem must be removed. Any un-discharged flame retardant material must be poured out and collected and is actually kept in containers around the facility and can then be used on spills and fire prevention within the facility.

Q: How do I manage my household chemical waste

A: The best method of managing Household Chemical Waste is to prevent its generation in the first place. This involves selecting the least toxic item “to do the job” and buying the minimum amounts necessary, as well as pressuring producers to make less toxic alternatives. Buying large quantities of a chemical product can result in left overs.

If the material is still usable (e.g., undamaged, still within designated shelf life), check with friends and neighbors to see if they can use it. You can also check with community groups such as Habitat for Humanity to see if they can use the product.

LATEX paint is able to be disposed of in household trash once dry – to learn about how to dispose of latex paint at home CLICK HERE.

To learn more, you can visit our Household Hazardous Waste Safe & Health Home Guide.

Our organization partners with local companies to ensure responsible and proper disposal of all materials collected at our events.

Our partners include:

• Allegheny County Health Department
• Beaver County Department of Waste Management
• Cambria County Solid Waste Authority
• Environmental Enterprises Inc
• Washington County Planning Commission

Our sponsors include:

• Allegheny County Health Department
• Allegheny County Parks Department
• Beaver County Commissioners
• Cambria County Solid Waste Authority
• Washington County
• Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
• Colcom Foundation
• LANXESS
• PA Department of Environmental Protection
• Pennsylvania American Water
• PPG and Pittsburgh Penguins
• UPMC
• Concurrent Technologies Corporation
• PPG Paints Arena
• Washington Wild Things
• Washington County Family Entertainment
• 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA

What does a volunteer do?
As a Event Collection volunteer, you will:

• Participate in a brief training session prior to the start of your event.
• Perform tasks such as directing traffic, taking surveys, handing out educational materials, and much more.
• Volunteers shift: 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m

NOTE: VOLUNTEERS DO NOT HANDLE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS OR UNLOAD VEHICLES.

Volunteer Recognition
To show our appreciation, all volunteers at collection events will receive the following free of charge:

• Disposal of Household Chemical Waste (up to 6 gallons), a $18.00 value
• That warm fuzzy feeling that comes from helping a good cause

If you would like to volunteer at a Household Chemical Collection, please contact Emily Potoczny at [email protected] or call (412) 488-7490 x 3.

If you have a question regarding Household Chemical Collections please call Emily Potoczny at 412.488.7490 x 3.