EPA Urges Vermont Residents to Safely Dispose of Flood-Related Hazardous Materials at Local Collection Sites
Publilshed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
BOSTON (Aug. 2, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC), is supporting Vermont residents with the disposal of flood-related hazardous materials after flooding events that occurred during the week of July 9, 2023. Residents and businesses are encouraged to collect and drop off these materials at the collection site located at the former Middlesex, Vt. Police Barracks at 1078 U.S. Route 2 Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at local collection locations.
Flood-related hazardous materials must be a part of a flood clean-out. Hazardous materials can include cleaners, chemicals, paint, paint thinners/strippers, pesticides, gasoline, oil, propane and other gas cylinders, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermostats, mercury thermometers, and other dangerous or toxic wastes. This does not include explosives, fireworks, flares, ammunition, sharps, electronics, and non-hazardous flood debris or solid waste. For flood-related explosives, fireworks, flares, and ammunition contact your local fire department or police.
Businesses with hazardous materials can bring up to ten (10) 5-gallon containers of flood-related hazardous materials to the State of Vermont collection site in Middlesex, Vermont, or call local collection locations and events to ask if they are accepting hazardous waste from businesses.
Businesses that generate hazardous waste or that have larger amounts of flood-related hazardous materials should call the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Hazardous Materials Program at (802) 828-1138 for assistance.
Other Tips for Flood Debris Management:
- Use gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
- Handle household chemicals with care.
- Secure materials from children and pets.
- If an item is leaking, place the container in a pail.
- Do not mix chemicals
- Do not pour chemicals on the ground or put them down the drain
Residents and businesses can call the DEC Solid Waste Management Program at 802-828-1138 with questions on flood-related hazardous materials.
More information
Vermont Flood-Related Hazardous Materials Assistance
Vermont Flood Recovery Resources
EPA Flood Resilience Guide for Water and Wastewater Utilities
Flood Response Drop off Locations Household Hazardous Waste (pdf)
Read the full article at: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-urges-vermont-residents-safely-dispose-flood-related-hazardous-materials-local
