UPDATED: Hazardous Waste Day Postponed

UPDATE (9:30 a.m.) - Due to the weekend forecast, the Westwood Department of Public Works said Friday morning that the annual Hazardous Waste Day event has been postponed until Saturday, Oct. 22.

It's that time of year again. No, not back-to-school time, but rather that annual event that allows residents in Westwood to get rid of those hazardous materials lying around at home; the ones that normally can't be thrown into a trash can or recycle bin.

Westwood's Hazardous Waste Day will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Westwood Department of Public Works Highway Yard, 50 Carby St. in Westwood.

Because the town is charged a fee per car load, officials are asking that residents make one trip per household and to remain in their vehicles when arriving on site that day.

Tickets cost $10 and must be purchased in order for residents to dispose of hazardous materials.

It is the first time Westwood has charged residents to dispose of materials at the annual event, according to Deputy Director of the Westwood Department of Public Works Chris Gallagher, who said the fee helps offset costs incurred by the DPW to hire contractors to help with the event.

While tickets have been, and still are, available prior to the event, many have yet to buy them, Gallagher said. Tickets will be available the day of the disposal.

What to Bring to Hazardous Waste Day:

• Oil Based Paints and Strippers
• Paint Thinners, Solvents, Stains, and Varnishes
• Solvent Adhesives
• Lighter Fluid
• Waste Fluid (Kerosene, Gasoline)
• Antifreeze, Engine Degreaser
• Carburetor Cleaner, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, and Car Wax
• Poisons, Insecticides
• Weed Killers, Mothballs
• Wood Preservatives (except Penta)
• Rubber Cement, Airplane Glue
• Fiberglass Resins
• Photo Chemicals, Chemistry sets
• Cleaning Supplies
• Furniture, Floor, & Metal Polishes
• Oven and Drain Cleaners
• Rug and Upholstery Cleaners
• Dry Cleaning Solvents
• Swimming Pool Chemicals
• Aerosol Cans
• Tires (without rims)
• Used Motor Oil
• Fluorescent Bulbs
• Gas Grille Propane Bottles

What NOT to Bring:

• Computers & TVs
• Latex Paint, Ammunition, Fireworks or Explosives
• Radioactive Wastes
• Compressed Gas Cylinders
• Infectious or Biological Waste
• Prescription Medicines/Syringes
• Penta Brand Wood Preservatives
• Smoke Detectors
• Asbestos
• Pesticides Containing 2-4-5 T, Silvex
• Commercial or Industrial Waste
• Driveway Sealer or Joint Compounder

Safety Tips:

• Tighten caps and lids, leaving materials in original labeled containers
• Pack containers in sturdy, upright boxes and pad with newspaper
• Sort and pack paint, pesticides, and household cleaners separately
• Avoid spills and do not place in garbage bags
• Never mix chemicals
• Pack cars and drive directly to the site
• Never smoke while handling hazardous materials