In typical years, these items may be brought to the town’s household hazardous waste collection events in the spring and fall. Collections are usually held the first Saturday in May and the last Saturday in September (check the town calendar on the web site) from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the town highway garage, located at: 74 Elm Ave. East Selkirk, NY 12158
NOTE: For 2020 we have had to cancel our HHW collections due to safety concerns and budget constraints from the Covid-19 pandemic
However, there are options for recycling or disposing of some of the items before our next event.
Rechargeable batteries and lead acid (vehicle) batteries can be recycled at all retail stores where they are sold. Fluorescent Bulbs and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Bulbs) can be recycled at some retailers like Lowes in Glenmont.
Computers, televisions, and most other electronics can be recycled year round at the Transfer Station on Rupert Road (fees may apply--see web page for details).
Used motor oil can be brought to any shop that performs oil changes such as Valvoline or Jiffy Lube. Antifreeze can also be brought to any shop that performs radiator service.
Latex (water-based) paint is non-hazardous, and can be dried out and disposed in the regular trash. There are low cost "paint hardener" products for waste paint available for purchase for $2 - $3 that work for 2 - 3 gallons of paint. Or mix with cat litter or sand to help soak up the liquid, remove the lid, and set it in the sun. Once completely solidified, latex paint can be disposed in the regular trash (leave the lid off to show there is no liquid paint, as latex paint, while non-toxic, can gum up machinery and spill down the road).
That leaves items like oil-based paints, solvents, and lawn chemicals. The town recycling coordinator recommends using or storing these items until next year, seeing if any neighbors or friends wish to use them, and consider less toxic alternatives. There now exists water-based paints and stains for most applications, and information is available on the Internet about alternatives to pesticides and chemical fertilizers.