What's Happening in Manchester, NH…

Londonderry hopes to have solved the problem of discarding toxic waste, and is holding an event at which residents can drop off toxic materials.

People are usually warned never to throw out such waste, as it can cause fires if placed in the trash. If they wind up in a landfill, they contaminate both the groundwater and the soil. Londonderry, however, is encouraging residents to discard many specific substances.

Acceptable yard waste includes pool chemicals, poisons, pesticides, pest traps and strips, lighter fluid, insect spray, fungicide, and fertilizers that include pesticides.

House waste may include thermometers, rug cleaners, photo chemicals, oven cleaner, mothballs, metal polish, furniture polish, disinfectants, and bathroom cleaner.

Garage waste such as roofing tar, radiator flush, gasoline, flea powder, driveway sealer, creosote, car polishes and waxes, antifreeze, and acids can also be disposed of at the upcoming event. Similarly, waste from the workbench includes wood stripper, wood preservatives, turpentine, paint thinner, solvents, rust preventatives, oil-based stains and paints, corrosives, and brush cleaner.

However, and understandably, the city will NOT accept asbestos, radioactive materials, latex paints, infectious wastes, explosives, or batteries.

Guidelines on handling toxic materials safely include giving leftovers to others, and keeping the products intact, in the original container. It is crucial, according to the guidelines, to follow the safety instructions on labels, keep flammables from flame, sparks, and heat, use only in well-ventilated areas, and never mix toxic products together.

The Household Waste Hazardous Collection Day is set for November 18, from 8.30am until 12.30pm, behind the Central Fire Station off Sargent Road. Organizers of events like this can use flyer printing to create lists of acceptable materials.