Clean out your garages, basements, attics and medicine chests and take advantage of the enhanced STOP (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) program on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park.
Residents can dispose of aerosols, household chemicals, pesticides, disinfectants, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, bulbs, thermostats, rechargeable and lithium batteries, TVs and computers. Oil-based paints are considered hazardous and will be accepted. To dispose of latex or water-based paints, remove the lid and let dry out, which usually takes 24 to 36 hours, then place in a trash bag with your regular household garbage.
Residents can dispose of unwanted or unused pharmaceuticals as well. In addition to protecting the environment by diverting unwanted drugs from landfills and drinking water, the program prevents medications from getting into the wrong hands.
Attendees can also shred and dispose of as many as six bankers’ boxes of personal documents, minimizing the likelihood for identity theft, while protecting the environment. Commercial business documents, including from home offices, will not be accepted. Shredded documents will be placed into containers and sent directly to pulping mills. Every 2,000 pounds of paper recycled equates to 17 trees saved.
Big Brothers Big Sisters will have a truck at the event and will be accepting gently used and working clothes, stuffed animals, electronics, toys, sporting equipment, shoes, books, small area rugs, bikes, scooters, luggage, picture frames, table lamps, bolts of fabric, silverware, glassware, dishes and cosmetics. Contributors will receive a receipt for their donation for income tax purposes.
The final 2016 STOP event will be held at North Hempstead Beach Park on Oct. 30. For more information, call 311 or 516-869-6311.
