Nowadays there is a push to recycle as much as possible, because we know that over time, if we are not proactive reducing the waste we dispose of in landfills, our county will be covered in rubbish. It is also much better for our environment.

In 2008, 11.2 million tons of solid waste were disposed of in New York State landfills, considerably less than the 14.1 million tons of solid waste that was landfilled in 1990. As of June 2009, there were 27 active municipal solid waste landfills, 16 active industrial/commercial waste landfills, 18 construction and demolition (C&D) landfills, and 3 active ash monofill landfills within New York State.

Mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) consisting of residential, institutional and commercial waste must be disposed of at a MSW landfill. There are three active ash monofill landfills in New York State. Ash from the combustion of municipal solid waste is disposed of at these facilities. Industrial Waste Landfills are used for the disposal of industrial wastes such as coal ash and paper mill sludges.

While landfill gas recovery facilities collect the gas from the decomposition of solid waste for use as energy, Construction and Demolition Debris that is not processed is disposed of in a C&D landfill. Additional restrictions have been placed on landfills located in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in Long Island.

To find out more visit: www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/23681.html

If you have been making changes around the house you may have rubbish that could fall into the Hazardous Waste category.

What is Household Hazardous Waste? The unused or leftover portion of any hazardous chemicals or materials. Any leftover household product that is labeled with DANGER, WARNING, TOXIC, CAUTION, POISON, FLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE, or REACTIVE is considered a household hazardous waste.

Examples are: Household Cleaners, Mercury Items (inc. thermometers & thermostats), Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Paint & Stains (latex & oil), Pesticides, Pool Chemicals, Propane, Solvents, Aerosol Cans, Automotive Fluids, Batteries (auto, household, & rechargeable), Computer Monitors, Televisions, Fertilizers and Fluorescent Lights - including tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).

Unfortunately these items cannot be disposed of in a dumpster so if you have any of this waste to get rid of you should ensure it is disposed of properly at collection sites. This will protect you and your families health, keep water clean and reduce storm water pollution and preserve our environment.

There is a scheduled Household Hazardous Waste One Day collection scheduled this weekend!

Elfin Forest - June 13, 2009
Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Fire Department
20223 Elfin Forest Road
Escondido, CA 92029
9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Otherwise the Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility is located at the Miramar Landfill entrance on Convoy Street, just north of State Highway 52.

The facility accepts household hazardous waste on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except holidays. An appointment is required.

It is open to City of San Diego residents only. Call 858-694-7000, Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with your list of household hazardous wastes. When visiting the facility, bring proof of City residency such as a picture identification and a recent bill showing your address.

Need more info?

Visit www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/miramar/hhwtransfac.shtml