The laws governing the use of fireworks vary in New England, from Massachusetts’ total ban to the partial ban of aerial fireworks in other states or no bans at all. Regardless of where you’re spending your Independence Day or other celebrations if you find yourself with excess fireworks (including misfires and duds) or other explosives, it’s important to know about your firework disposal options so you can ensure your home and family stay safe all year round without these hazards at home. [Read more…]
Unsafe Hazardous Waste: When You Need to Call in Specialists
At NEDT, we’re proud to accept most kinds of residential hazardous waste at our collection centers. But that doesn’t mean we accept them all. Certain types of unsafe hazardous waste shouldn’t be transported to us and we can’t accept them. For some of these, we can point you to other facilities and programs that can help; for others, you’re going to need to call in specialists that can deal with these hazardous products in place—for your own safety. [Read more…]
What Hazardous Materials Are Not Accepted for Disposal?
Here at NEDT, we talk a lot about the kind of materials we accept. But, there are some things we have to turn away at the door and point you to other agencies. From the dangerous to the mundane, below are several categories of the most common types of materials and products that we and most other residential disposal companies won’t or can’t accept.
Explosives
Generally speaking, if it poses an immediate danger to you and those around you, even if safety measures are taken, it won’t be accepted at collection centers. Explosives cover a wide array of products but are commonly:
- Ammunition
- Explosive chemicals and compounds
- Shock sensitive materials
- Flares
Reactive Chemicals and Materials
Reactive chemicals also tend to be restricted if they can undergo sudden state changes (condensation, decomposition, or polymerization), become self-reactive under shock, pressure, or temperature changes, or react vigorously with water to release a lethal gas (like cyanide). This is also why unidentified compressed gas cylinders are not accepted.
Asbestos and Radioactive Materials
If you need special equipment beyond glove and eye protection to handle these substances, chances are they shouldn’t be going to a household hazardous waste company. This includes airborne hazards like asbestos, as well as radioactive materials.
Medical Waste
Biological waste is generally not accepted at NEDT and other collection centers. Examples include used sharps, live culture dishes, and anything contaminated with blood.
Major Appliances (White Goods) Including CFCs
While NEDT accepts electronics, including Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors, they do not accept large appliances – so-called “white goods.” Also, fridges and ACs that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are not accepted.
Commercial Hazardous Waste & Products
Lastly, businesses cannot bring in their hazardous waste for disposal to one of these disposal centers. Instead, they must follow laws from the EPA and their statewide designated agency to dispose of commercial hazardous waste. NEDT does participate in MA’s VSQG (Very Small Quantity Generator) program. Learn more and if you can apply in this blog, Small Business Hazardous Waste: MA’s VSQG Requirements.
If some of the hazardous waste you want to bring in falls under one of these categories, learn about your options with our Fact Sheets as the MassDEP website. Learn more about what we accept and plan your trip to NEDT’s Household Hazardous Products Collection Centers today. We also provide pick up services: contact us today or call us at 866-769-1621.
