RECYCLING PROGRAM/HAZARDOUS WASTE

WHO IS REQUIRED TO RECYCLE?
Everyone! The Mandatory Recycling Act went into effect in Connecticut on January 1, 1991. It applies to every business, every household, every institution, and every government agency.

WHAT ITEMS DO I HAVE TO RECYCLE?
Everyone in the state is required to recycle the following items: glass food and beverage containers; metal food and beverage containers; newspapers; corrugated cardboard; leaves (must be composted); scrap metal; used motor oil, lead-acid batteries (from vehicles); magazines and glossy catalogs; plastics #1 and #2; white office paper (households exempt); and Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries (from electronics).

WHO DO I CALL TO GET A RECYCLING BIN AND FIND OUT WHAT IS RECYCLED IN MY TOWN?

Contact your town hall or local Department of Public Works to see what additional items are accepted for recycling. Some towns are now accepting plastic food and beverage containers #3 through #7.

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION'S WEBSITE offers comprehensive information about recycling including:

• Environmental Protection Begins With You
• What Do I Do With...?

HOW DO I GET RID OF MY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE?
Most communities in Connecticut offer at least one opportunity a year to their residents to dispose of hazardous items that they have in their home. These collections usually take place in the spring and fall. Call your town hall to find out the next available opportunity to properly dispose of this material in your area.

COMMON HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES THAT MAY BE BROUGHT TO A COLLECTION DAY
Common household hazardous wastes include: antifreeze, batteries (household), mercury fever thermometers, brake fluid, gasoline, oil based paint, paint stripper/thinners, transmission fluid, turpentine, aerosols (unfinished), ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaners, floor care products, oven cleaners, polishes, spot and stain removers, wood preservatives, adhesives, artist’s paints, charcoal lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, epoxy products, fungicides, glues, herbicides, insecticides, kerosene, moth balls, and pool chemicals. This list is not all encompassing.

NOTE: Pharmaceuticals and sharps cannot be brought to HHW collections.  Some towns or pharmacies occasionally offer special collections where residents can bring sharps, prescription medications, veterinary medicines, and over-the-counter (OTC) products.

For more information about hazardous waste go to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service names:

• Recycling
• Environmental Hazards Cleanup
• Environmental Hazards Cleanup *Lead Poisoning

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SOURCE: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2012