Celebrating Rachel Carson on Ada Lovelace Day

In honor of Women's History Month and Ada Lovelace Day, check out my blog post on environmental activist Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring...

Finally, a Place to Proplery Dispose of Drugs in Ulster County

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, which is partially funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, was created to bring hazardous waste disposal services into the community and to provide a drop off location for Ulster County residents. By offering alternatives for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, Ulster County is taking a proactive role in protecting the environment by preventing these items from ending up in landfills or contaminating water sources and wastewater treatment plants.

This collection provides a free and safe disposal alternative for hazardous pesticides, solvents and household chemicals. Materials being accepted are lead and oil based paint (Note: latex paint will not be accepted as it is not a hazardous material), fertilizers, pesticides, household cleaners, paint solvents, hobby chemicals, etc. Also being accepted at the event are electronics for recycling for a $7 per carload fee: computers and their components, VCRs/DVD players, keyboards, printers, monitors/TVs, etc.

In addition to household hazardous waste and electronics, residents will also have the opportunity to discard their unused and/or expired medications at this event. When pills or liquid medicines are poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet they remain diluted in the water supply after treatment and these trace amounts are suspected of causing a range of health problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Bring any prescription or over-the-counter pills, ointments, lotions and liquids for disposal. Liquid medications should be in their original packaging and inside sealable plastic bags. Pet medications are welcome as well. The entire container along with its medicine will be placed into a sealed waste receptacle.

A Deputy Sherriff of Ulster County will be on site to control the collection of these medications as well as to witness the best means of permanent disposal of medications at the Dutchess County Energy-From-Waste Facility located in Poughkeepsie. There is no charge for this service but registration for an appointment is required.

An appointment must be scheduled if you are interested in participating in the event. Please visit our website at www.ucrra.org or call the Recycling Hotline at (845) 336-3336 to request more information or to make an appointment.