The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (ECDEP) has announced that it will host its first Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) free collection event of the 2021 calendar year on Saturday, May 8.

The appointment-only event will be held in the Southtowns at a location that will be provided once an appointment has been scheduled. Registration is now open for all Erie County residents and can be done either by visiting www.erie.gov/recycling or by calling the HHW Information Line at (716) 858-6800. Appointments are limited and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Another free collection event that will also be hosted by ECDEP has been scheduled for Saturday, October 9 in the City of Buffalo. Registration for that event will open in September. The specific location and times for each event will be provided once an appointment has been scheduled.

The specific location and times for each event will be provided at time of registration and a drop-off voucher will be provided.

In addition to the two free collection events, Erie County residents also have the year-round option of using the County’s HHW Voucher Drop-off Program which enables residents to bring up to 50 pounds of eligible hazardous waste at a private facility in Tonawanda at no cost. Preregistration for that service is required and can be done either by visiting www.erie.gov/recycling or by calling (716) 998-8073.

“These events provide safe disposal for products homeowners often accumulate in their basements and garages that cannot be thrown out with their regular garbage,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Despite the many challenges we have all faced due to the global pandemic, it is gratifying to see we are able to continue to provide these critical services. I thank the Department of Environment and Planning and our municipal partners for providing county residents with a reliable and effective way to get rid of these items.”

More information about the two scheduled events, including how to sign up to be notified about future events, as well as details about the HHW Voucher Dropoff program, is available by calling the Erie County Household Hazardous Waste 24-Hour Information Line at (716) 858-6800 or by visiting www.erie.gov/recycling

“Not only does this program provide a safe and effective way to dispose of these materials, but it also helps to improve home safety, reduces pollution, and protects our first responders and sanitation workers,” ECDEP Deputy Commissioner Bonnie Lange-Lawrence said.

Support for the HHW collection program is provided by the Erie County Highways Department, the Northeast Southtowns and Northwest Solid Waste Management Boards, SUNY Erie, the City of Buffalo, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

April is “National County Government Month” and Erie County is one of over 3,000 counties nationwide joining the National Association of Counties (“NACo”) all month long to spotlight and celebrate the critical role county governments play in the lives of residents. This year’s theme, “Counties Matter”, provides an opportunity to educate residents on county programs, responsibilities, and services, especially as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, visit https://www2.erie.gov/environment/

On NACo and National County Government Month, visit https://www.naco.org/resources/2021-national-county-government-month-cou...