North Shore residents will be able to discard unwanted household items that may present chemical hazards next Saturday as part of the Town of North Hempstead’s “Stop Throwing Out Pollutants” initiative.
The event – set to take place at Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – is the first of five “Stop Throwing Out Pollutants” collection drives scheduled to take place this year.
In a statement, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said the improper disposal of household waste is dangerous to one’s health and the environment.
“We are committed to offer convenient and environmentally responsible options for members of the North Hempstead community to dispose of their dangerous chemicals, electronics, sensitive documents, pharmaceuticals and clothes,” she said.
“Stop Throwing Out Pollutants” events will also take place on May 17 and September 12 at Tully Park and at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington on June 20 and November 8.
Items eligible for collection include aerosols, household chemicals, pesticides, disinfectants, fertilizers, bulbs, thermostats, rechargeable and lithium batteries, television sets, computers and oil-based paints, town officials said.
Latex and water-based paints will not be accepted, as each can be disposed of safely once it has dried out, which generally takes 24-36 hours after its lid is removed, officials said.
Clothing for donation to the non-profit Big Brothers, Big Sisters will also be collected, as well as stuffed animals, electronics, toys, sports equipment, shoes, books, small area rugs, bicycles, scooters, luggage, picture frames, table lamps, fabric, silverware, glassware, dishes and cosmetics, officials said.
Residents will also be permitted to shred sensitive documents during the event to safely prevent identity theft, officials said.
Unwanted pharmaceutical drugs will also be collected as part of the town’s partnership with the Nassau County Police Department’s drug take-back program, officials said.
