Voorheesville, New Scotland Residents Tackle Toxic Waste on April 18 | The Locally Times
Don't let hazardous waste linger in your home. Voorheesville and New Scotland residents must pre-register for the April 18 collection day to safely dispose of dangerous chemicals, protecting our community and environment.
Hazardous chemicals lurk in many homes – from old paint cans to forgotten pesticides. On April 18, 2026, residents of the Town of New Scotland and the Village of Voorheesville have a critical chance to safely clear these dangers from their garages and basements. This Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, sponsored by the Town of New Scotland Highway Department, offers a responsible way to protect both public health and our local environment. Pre-registration is mandatory for all participants, as emphasized by the Village of Voorheesville. While the collection day is set for April 18, 2026, the exact location and operating hours have not yet been released. ## What to Bring for Safe Disposal This collection day is your chance to properly dispose of common household items that pose serious risks if thrown in the trash or poured down the drain. Accepted hazardous wastes include: * **Garden & Pest Control:** Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides – these can harm wildlife and contaminate water sources if improperly discarded. * **Paints & Solvents:** Oil-based paints, wood preservatives, stains, thinners, and solvents. These contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute air, soil, and groundwater. (Note: Dried latex paint and empty aerosol containers go in regular trash.) * **Household Cleaners:** Drain cleaners, swimming pool chemicals, and old cleaning products. Improper disposal can lead to chemical burns, toxic fumes, and contamination of waterways or wastewater systems. * **Automotive & Fuels:** Automotive fluids and batteries, gasoline, and kerosene. These contain heavy metals and petroleum products that cause significant soil and water pollution, posing risks to human health and wildlife. Proper disposal prevents spills and reduces fire hazards. * **Corrosives & Hobby Chemicals:** Acids, bases, and hobby chemicals or paints. These corrosive and reactive substances require specialized handling to prevent accidental exposure. * **Asbestos:** Wet and double-bagged asbestos will be collected to prevent the release of airborne fibers that cause respiratory illnesses. * **Mercury-Containing Items:** Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, and mercury thermometers. Mercury is a neurotoxin that contaminates the environment if released. When preparing materials for disposal, keep items in their original, labeled containers with tightened lids. Pack them in a cardboard box to prevent spills during transport. **Never mix chemicals.** If a container is leaking, wrap it in newspaper and place it in a plastic bag or another container. For safety, participants are instructed to remain in their vehicles, as workers will unload the materials. Smoking near chemicals and leaving products in hot, unventilated vehicles for extended periods are prohibited. ## Items Not Accepted and Why Not everything can be accepted. Due to specialized disposal requirements or extreme dangers, the following items are explicitly excluded from the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day: * **Explosives & Weapons:** Explosives, ammunition, and fireworks require highly specialized handling to prevent accidental detonation. * **Radioactive Materials:** Radioactive materials and smoke detectors contain isotopes needing specific regulatory protocols for safe management. * **Controlled Substances & Toxins:** Legal restrictions and extreme toxicity prohibit controlled substances and known dioxins. * **Gases (except aerosols):** Compressed gases pose explosion risks and require specific containment. * **Commercial/Industrial Waste:** This event is intended for household quantities; commercial waste streams often differ in composition and volume. * **Medical Waste:** Pharmaceuticals and sharps are biohazards with specific healthcare waste regulations. * **Alkaline Batteries:** Household alkaline batteries manufactured since 1993 no longer contain mercury and can be safely disposed of in regular household garbage. You can register by: * **Calling:** Jess at 518-765-2681 * **Emailing:** JCrusado@townofnewscotland.com * **Online:** Visit the Village of Voorheesville's website for a registration form. The Village of Voorheesville indicates coupons are required for participation, but details on how residents can obtain these coupons are not yet available. Residents should inquire about coupon acquisition during registration. ## Broader Environmental Protection Efforts Your participation in this collection day extends beyond your home, contributing to vital regional environmental protection efforts. This Household Hazardous Waste program receives partial funding through a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), underscoring a statewide commitment to responsible waste management. The event also supports broader regional initiatives, including the Capital Region Solid Waste Management Planning Unit's Draft Local Solid Waste Management Plan (LSWMP). This plan, spearheaded by the City of Albany, seeks to update the region's waste strategy through 2035, building on a 2014 NYSDEC-approved plan. Public comments on the Draft LSWMP are open until April 3, 2026. By properly disposing of hazardous materials, you directly help prevent local water contamination, protect wildlife, and reduce chemical exposure risks in our community. This collective action is crucial for a cleaner, safer environment for everyone. ## Key Questions **How do I register?** Call Jess at 518-765-2681, email JCrusado@townofnewscotland.com, or use the online form on the Village of Voorheesville website. Pre-registration is mandatory. **What types of waste are accepted?** Accepted items include pesticides, oil-based paints, drain cleaners, pool chemicals, automotive fluids, gasoline, kerosene, acids, wet/double-bagged asbestos, CFLs, fluorescent bulbs, and mercury thermometers. **Where and when will the collection day take place?** The event is scheduled for April 18, 2026. The exact location and operating hours are not yet specified.