The County Commissioners recently renewed a contract with the Chester County Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA) on the Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Education, Collection, and Management Program. The contract is an Intergovernmental Agreement that includes Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.
In a joint statement, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline said, “Chester County has recognized the importance of safely disposing of hazardous waste since the mid-1990s, and this contract renewal confirms the importance of continuing this practice. The HHW events – held four to five times each year – are hugely popular with residents who seek to dispose safely of oil-based paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, gasoline, and other hazardous materials. We commend those who take advantage of the free HHW events and encourage others to do the same.”
The regional partnership allows residents to take household hazardous waste to any event in any participating county. In 2022, the CCSWA collected 177,000 pounds of household hazardous waste. An online registration process was started in 2020 to safely and efficiently streamline the drop-off process.
CCSWA Executive Director Robert Watts said, “Having an Intergovernmental Agreement with our four southeast region counties is a superb model of collaboration for a vitally important program. This agreement is a win-win for everyone – the public, the contractor, Chester County, and everyone in Southeastern Pennsylvania because it ensures that these harmful materials are disposed of safely and consistently. Thanks also goes to our partners in Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.”
“The Regional Household Hazardous Waste program is just one example of our region collaborating on initiatives that protect our environment,” said Rachael Griffith, Chester County Sustainability Director. “It is a great service that prevents noxious chemicals from entering landfills, and the more people who know about and take advantage of drop-off events, the more impact it will have.”
Check the CCSWA’s website in March 2023 for upcoming HHW events.
