For Immediate Release
May 28, 1999

Contact:
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115
Web Site: http://www.regionalwaste.com

In a major effort to help southern Maine residents dispose of household hazardous waste such as paint thinners, old batteries and weed killers stored in their garages, basements, closets and tool sheds, Regional Waste Systems, Inc. has scheduled a series of free household hazardous waste collection days from now until the end of October.

The drive-thru collections are being held on Saturdays throughout the next five months. All events are being held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., usually at transfer stations or municipal center parking lots. For schedule information, residents may call 1-800-805-8391 to hear a recorded message or visit the RWS web site at www.regionalwaste.com.

The comprehensive program enables residents in the 31 communities served by RWS to drive to designated collection sites, where collection workers meet them and remove the material from their vehicles. Organizers would like the hazardous waste containers placed in cardboard boxes, if possible.

Household hazardous waste is any material in the home with at least one of the following characteristics: ignitable, corrosive, toxic or reactive. Almost every home has products and materials classified as hazardous waste. These materials should not be disposed of with other trash.

"Hazardous materials stored in the home pose a potential threat to families as some products are poisonous, while others produce unsafe fumes or could cause fires if stored improperly," said Dale Olmstead, chairman of the board for RWS. "Equally important is that when disposed of improperly, these materials can poison the air, soil, water, fish, wildlife, pets and even people."

Organizers tout the program as the most effective way to collect and dispose of toxic materials while giving residents the opportunity to be part of the solution to pollution. "This program allows residents in our member communities to rid their homes of hazardous waste in an environmentally safe and convenient way," Olmstead added.

At the collection sites, a wide range of hazardous materials are being accepted, including but not limited to the following:

Oil based paints Stains and varnishes
Thinners, solvents and strippers Wood preservatives
Adhesive glues and resins Engine degreasers
Waste petroleum products: gasoline, kerosene, motor oil Hobby and photo supplies
Brake fluid, transmission fluid and antifreeze Chemistry sets
Poisons, insecticides, weed killers and herbicides Photo developing chemicals
Swimming pool chemicals Batteries: car, dry cell, button
Flourescent light bulbs Asbestos (wetted and double bagged)


Regional Waste Systems, Inc. is a non-profit solid waste management company that serves 21 owner communities and also serves 10 associate members in southern Maine. It is governed by a 28- member board and is owned and controlled by its member municipalities. The waste transported to the facility located on outer Congress Street in Portland is incinerated to create electricity, which is then sold to Central Maine Power. RWS also has an extensive recycling program, with more than 85 drop off recycling containers set up in more than 60 locations, the largest municipal program in the state.

Clean Harbors, an environmental services company with offices in South Portland, is handling the household hazardous waste collection effort for RWS.

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