Voorheesville, New Scotland Tackle Toxic Waste with Collection Day | The Locally Times
April 18, 2026: Voorheesville, New Scotland Residents Can Purge Toxic Chemicals, Protect Waterways. Pre-registration required.
From forgotten paint cans to outdated pesticides, hazardous household chemicals pose a silent threat to Voorheesville and New Scotland's pristine waterways and drinking supply. On April 18, 2026, residents have a crucial, one-day opportunity to safely purge these toxic items, preventing them from leaching into the environment. The Town of New Scotland Highway Department is sponsoring this essential Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, exclusively for residents of the Town of New Scotland and the Village of Voorheesville. This initiative, which The Locally Times has previously highlighted, offers a vital, environmentally responsible method to dispose of materials that could otherwise contaminate local water sources, safeguarding both aquatic life and community health. New details confirm the mandatory registration process and the specific materials accepted. ## Secure Your Spot: Registration and Accepted Items Securing a spot at the collection day is mandatory and requires pre-registration. While the exact time and location for the April 18, 2026 event are not yet specified, residents can register by calling Jess at 518-765-2681, emailing JCrusado@townofnewscotland.com, or by completing an online form available through the Village of Voorheesville website. The collection day accepts a specific list of hazardous household wastes, including pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, oil-based paints, wood preservatives, stains, thinners, solvents, drain cleaners, swimming pool chemicals, automotive fluids, batteries, gasoline, kerosene, acids, bases, hobby chemicals, paints, CFLs, fluorescent light bulbs, and mercury thermometers. Asbestos is also accepted if wet and double-bagged. Village of Voorheesville information clarifies that empty aerosols and dried latex paint can be disposed of in regular trash, as can empty paint cans. ## What Not to Bring: Exclusions and Safe Handling For safety and proper handling, the collection day explicitly excludes several types of materials. Unacceptable wastes include explosives, ammunition, fireworks, radioactive materials, smoke detectors, controlled substances, known dioxins, compressed gases (though aerosols are accepted), commercial wastes, industrial wastes, and medical wastes. Household alkaline batteries are also not accepted; Village records confirm that since 1993, these batteries do not contain mercury and can be safely disposed of in regular trash. Residents preparing for the event are advised to keep wastes in their original labeled containers, tighten lids, and pack items securely in a cardboard box. Officials caution against mixing chemicals and recommend wrapping leaking containers in newspaper before placing them in a plastic bag or container. For safety, residents are instructed not to smoke near chemicals and to avoid leaving products in a hot, unventilated vehicle for an extended period. Workers will unload materials, and residents are asked to remain in their cars during the process. ## Investing in a Cleaner Future: Funding and Prevention The Household Hazardous Waste program receives partial financing through a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This funding helps facilitate the responsible disposal of materials that pose risks to public health and the environment. No associated costs or fees for residents have been detailed, with the grant financing suggesting a reduced financial burden for participants. This initiative aligns with broader pollution prevention efforts. Village of Voorheesville information highlights how storm water runoff can become contaminated by debris, chemicals, and other pollutants, which then discharge into water bodies used for swimming, fishing, and drinking. Proper disposal of hazardous substances is a key step in preventing this contamination. Recommendations for pollution prevention include recycling motor oil and antifreeze at service stations, using hazardous substances properly, cleaning up spills immediately, filtering and reusing paint thinner, and avoiding pouring household chemicals onto the ground or into storm drains. ## Beyond Our Borders: Regional Waste Management Efforts The Voorheesville and New Scotland collection day is not an isolated effort; it's part of a broader regional push to manage hazardous waste. Other nearby municipalities are also planning similar events. For instance, the Town of Schodack has scheduled a household hazardous waste event for July 25, 2026. Additional collection dates are also set for Troy on May 9, 2026, Brunswick on September 19, 2026, and Bethlehem on October 17, 2026. The Town of Niskayuna will also host an E-WASTE COLLECTION EVENT on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM. These various regional efforts underscore the ongoing need for specialized disposal services for different types of waste. ## Quick Guide: Your Collection Day Questions Answered **How do I register for the collection day?** Registration is mandatory. Call Jess at 518-765-2681, email JCrusado@townofnewscotland.com, or use the online form on the Village of Voorheesville's website. **What items are accepted at the collection?** Accepted items include pesticides, paints, drain cleaners, pool chemicals, automotive fluids, batteries, gasoline, kerosene, CFLs, fluorescent light bulbs, and mercury thermometers. Asbestos is accepted if wet and double-bagged. **Are there any costs for residents to participate?** No costs or fees for residents have been specified, with the program partially funded by a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation grant.