North Huntingdon TWP

Fluorescent Bulbs  Commercial, institutions and non-profit organizations MUST recycle bulbs.  Collect the intact bulb and store in a safe place for up to one year. Contact a licensed handler for pick up or delivery.  Keep receipt of amount/weight for your Annual Recycling Report for NHT/Westmoreland County.  Any questions or concerns contact the NHT administration office at 724-863-3806 ext. #111.

Recycling Paint  Option #1:  Pour all your paints together in the least amount of containers that you can.  Leave the empty cans open to dry and place in regular trash bin.  Take your full containers to the Westmoreland County HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) Collection at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds. Option #2:  Line a box with a plastic bag, place a bag of kitty litter in lined box, dump paint slowly into litter.  When the litter has absorbed paint, tie bag and place in garbage.  Make sure not to overload litter - the paint must be absorbed.  Dry empty cans as in option #1.  

Universal Wastes Universal Wastes (batteries, thermostats, lamps, mercury-containing equipment & agricultural pesticides)  Mercury is a "PBT Chemical" (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxin), which means it accumulates in biological organisms (such as fish & humans) if they are exposed to it.  Mercury can cause birth defects and other maladies.  Mercury does not evaporate & leave the environment.  If not recycled, but released through improper disposal, it will contaminate the environment for years to come.  If you dispose of your Universal Wastes in a dumpster or non-hazardous waste landfill, your company could find itself facing environmental violations with monetary penalties attached, of up to $25,000 per incident, per day.  State & environmental officials inspect businesses for proper management of Universal Waste disposal. Contact DEP General Information Hotline at 1-717-783-2300.  

Car Washing:  When cars are washed on streets and driveways, the dirty water eventually winds up in rivers, streams, creeks and lakes.  Water entering these storm drains, unlike water that enters sanitary sewers, does not undergo treatment before it is discharged into our waterways. 
Environmental conscious tips on washing your car 1)  Use a bucket and biodegradable soap.  Look for products that do not contain nonylphenol surfactants that disrupts endocrine and phosphates that contribute to algal blooms and low oxygen levels in waterways.  2)  When you are done, dump your soapy water down the sink or toilet.  3)  Use a trigger spray nozzle to reduce water usage.  3)  Wash car on grassy area or other porous surface where soil microbes and vegetation can filter and break down pollutants.      

Recycle Bins/Residents and Small Businesses Free bins can be obtained at the North Huntingdon Administration Office.

Plastic Bags  Did you know you can take all your plastic bags (except black) to the recycling bin at the left entrance to NHT Giant Eagle or at Wal-Mart? 

Computers Recycle your unwanted computers to the Goodwill Store behind Norwin Hills Plaza or Goodwill Industries on Billot Avenue (go through last gate on left after Goodwill Building).

Batteries:  Not all batteries are the same, so they need to be disposed of differently.  Alkaline batteries, used mostly in toys and flashlights, can be thrown away with your regular trash (they are required to be recycled in some states).  Nickel Cadmium batteries (Ni-Cads) can be recycled.  Drop off locations are at Radio Shack, Best Buy and Wal-Mart.  Lead Acid batteries (automotive, motorcycle, etc.) should be taken to any store that sells lead acid batteries.  If you are purchasing a new battery, most places give a discount off the new battery when you bring the old one in.  

North Huntingdon Township's Recycling Tonnage Report

Resources Westmoreland Cleanways, 724-836-4129; Department of Environmental Protection - Southwest Region, Bureau of Land Recycling & Waste Management, 412-442-4000

Westmoreland Cleanways Residents of sponsoring municipalities (North Huntingdon is a sponsor) can participate in their free services   Check their web site at www.westmorelandcleanways.org.  The Westmoreland Cleanways' newsletter states that Staples, Inc. will accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.  Residents can place used rechargeable batteries from cell phones, digital cameras, laptop computers and other portable electronic devices in drop-off boxes at a location site near you.  Many of these items still contain mercury switches and lead soldering.  You can support Westmoreland Cleanways by calling 724-836-4129. 

Alliance Disposal -  1-888-463-7366 or  www.appliancedisposal.org for removal of refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, dehumidifiers and water coolers.  The Clean Air Act of 1990 mandated that prior to recycling or disposal, the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) contained in air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers must be removed for recycling.  Three (3) services available:  Drop off, curbside pick-up or in-house pick-up. 

Anti-Freeze, Motor Oil, Tires, and Battery disposal:  Import/Export on Arona Road will dispose of anti-freeze and motor oil, and tires for a charge - .  Advanced Auto locations and Jiffy Lube will dispose of motor oil, batteries, oil filters, and anti-freeze.

Propane Cylinders:  As of April 1, all propane cylinders between 4-40 lbs. must have an overfill protection device (OPD) in order to be refilled.  If your tank was manufactured before September 1998, you must invest in a new tank.  Residents must return cylinders to the propane distributor or send them to an approved recycling facility.