Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth
reminds residents to dispose of their electronic waste properly through manufacturer giveback programs, and at waste collection sites like North Hempstead’s Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (STOP) programs, following the recent enactment of a New York State law which prohibits all forms of electronic waste from being disposed of in landfills.
The town’s enhanced STOP program allows residents to drop off not only electronic waste, but also other dangerous waste as well, including ammonia, anti-freeze, paints, swimming pool chemicals, fertilizers, and unwanted pharmaceuticals. In addition, residents may drop off donations of gently used clothing and home goods, which will be collected by a nonprofit, and may take advantage of a town-sponsored mobile document shredding service. For a full list of accepted items, please visit www.northhempsteadny.gov/STOP program. Dates for the STOP program are: Saturday, April 11, Michael J. Tully Park; Sunday, May 17, Michael J. Tully Park; Saturday, June 20, North Hempstead Beach Park; Saturday, Sept. 12, Michael J. Tully Park; and Sunday, Nov. 8, North Hempstead Beach Park
All events are 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Residents may also drop off their old electronics at the Solid Waste Management Authority at 802 West Shore Road in Port Washington, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Manufacturer give back programs are another way to dispose of e-waste. The new law requires that manufacturers of electronic equipment take back that equipment for proper disposal when the consumer retires its use. This take-back may come in the form of mail-in programs, physical drop off locations, or in-home removal of the item. If an old item is being replaced by a new item, the law also requires that the manufacturer of the new item dispose of the old item, even if they are made by different manufacturers.
Residents may also take their old electronics to electronic waste drop off facilities. A list of these facilities can be found on the New York Department of Environmental Conservation’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/ewcolsites.pdf.
Residents with questions about the STOP program or their normal waste disposal guidelines may call Town Hall by dialing 311 from within the town or (516) 869-6311 from outside town.
