STOP Day Scheduled In Montauk

Hazardous materials such as pesticides, antifreeze, gasoline, oil-based paints and paint thinners can safely be disposed of on Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during STOP day at the Montauk transfer station located on Montauk Highway.

STOP stands for “Stop Throwing Out Pollutants” and the day is held in East Hampton Town twice a year, on the third Saturday in May at the East Hampton recycling center and the third Saturday in October at the Montauk transfer station.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic as household hazardous waste.

Improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health, according to the EPA. Certain types of hazardous waste can cause physical injury to sanitation workers, or contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets. They can also present hazards to children and pets if left around the house and have the potential to cause disease or get into water supplies. Improper disposal includes pouring waste down the drain, onto the ground, into storm sewers or disposing in regular trash.

According to the EPA’s website people in some cases can drop off certain hazardous waste products at local businesses for recycling or proper disposal—for example, local garages may accept used motor oil for recycling.

The transfer station will not accept drop-offs from commercial businesses, which have been advised to call the State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0375 to dispose of hazardous waste.