Londonderry News

Hazardous waste generated by homeowners can pose a substantial threat to public health and the environment if not handled properly. Pouring hazardous products down the drain or onto the ground may cause serious environmental problems, such as malfunctioning septic systems, corrosion of plumbing, and contamination of groundwater. When thrown in the trash, household hazardous wastes can cause trash truck fires and may end up in an unlined landfill and slowly leach toxins into the ground.

In order to prevent hazardous products from contaminating the environment, the Town of Londonderry along with the Town of Derry is sponsoring a HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW) COLLECTION DAY on November 14th at the Nelson Fields (LAFA) off of Sargent Road, Londonderry, between the hours of 9 AM and 12 PM. This collection is possible with the help of grant monies from the NH Department of Environmental Services.

You may bring to the collection pesticides, herbicides, acids, chemicals strippers, oil & lead based paint, mercury, solvents, degreasers and sealants, basically any toxic or hazardous material you may have in your home. There are some items that are NOT accepted at the HHW collection, Latex paint, used motor oil, and automobile batteries should NOT be brought to the collection day. Call Londonderry’s Public Works Department at 432-1100 ext. 137 or the Derry Transfer Station 432-4650 to find out how to dispose of these items locally.

In order to cut down on the problem of hazardous waste disposal there are several things a resident can do. To reduce the amount sitting in your cupboards buy only what you need.  When you buy, read the labels so that you use non-toxic products whenever possible. When storing your hazardous products put them in a safe place and keep them in their original containers, which should be closed securely. Use up the entire product so there is nothing to dispose.

Finally when disposal is the only option donate leftover paints and other products to a local service organization, recycle your used motor oil at a Londonderry Waste Oil Collection Day and never pour harmful chemicals down the drain.