Saturday is STOP Day, for Stop Throwing Out Pollutants, at the East Hampton Recycling Center on Springs-Fireplace Road.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., town residents can dispose of hazardous materials such as antifreeze, drain cleaners, and pesticides in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Safe disposal can make a significant contribution to protecting groundwater and preserving bays and estuaries.
The town's energy and sustainability advisory committee is sponsoring Saturday's event.
Residents have been asked to follow guidelines when taking pollutants for disposal. Leaking containers should be wrapped in newspaper and placed in a plastic bag or larger container, and all caps and lids should be tight. Items should be placed securely in a box during transport to the recycling center, with newspaper or cardboard to keep items from tipping or hitting each other. Chemicals that may react with each other should be in separate areas of the vehicle. Products should not be left in a hot, unventilated vehicle for an extended period. Rubber gloves should be worn when handling containers.
Acceptable items to take to the recycling center on STOP Day are as follows: Aerosol cans, ammonia, antifreeze, household batteries, bleach, insect and rodent killers, chemistry sets, degreasers, disinfectants, drain cleaners, fertilizers with herbicides, one-time-use fire extinguishers, flammable liquids such as fire starters, gasoline, and diesel fuel, kerosene, lacquers, oil-based paints, oven cleaners, paint strippers, paint thinners, and brush cleaners, photography chemicals, polishes and wood preservatives, solvents, spot removers, swimming pool chemicals, thermostats containing mercury, varnish, and weed killers.