MCIA holds household waste drop-off today

TRENTON — Mercer County Improvement Authority is holding a Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Disposal Day for county residents who would like to recycle common residential chemical wastes or used electronics.

The event will take place today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the John T. Dempster Fire School at 350 Lawrence Station Road in Lawrence, rain or shine. While no registration is necessary, please note that the event is open to Mercer County residents only, and attendees will need to show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license. No commercial or industrial waste will be accepted.

The Electronic Waste Management Act, which took effect Jan. 1, 2011, bans disposal of televisions and all personal or portable computers — including desktop, notebook and laptop computers, as well as computer monitors — in the regular waste stream. These items must be recycled, and County residents can do so April 20 at the Dempster facility.

“The Mercer County Improvement Authority is providing an excellent opportunity for Mercer County residents,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “Residents can easily, safely dispose of their dangerous chemical and electronic waste, and then relax and let Mercer County take care of the rest.”

For more information, individuals should call (609) 278-8086 or visit www.mcianj.com.

Acceptable household items include: Aerosol cans, used motor oil, propane gas tanks, pesticides and herbicides, car batteries, paint thinner, oil-based paint, stains and varnishes, gasoline, anti-freeze, driveway sealer, insect repellents, mercury, fluorescent and CFL bulbs.

Acceptable used electronic items include: Computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, stereos, televisions, microwaves.

JOHN R. CARTER, ESQ.