The S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) Program

S.T.O.P offers residents of North Hempstead the opportunity to dispose of their household hazardous waste in an environmentally friendly manner. Many people do not realize that ordinary household products, such as aerosols and cleaners, can be corrosive, explosive, or toxic if mixed indiscriminately with regular household garbage. Please take an extra moment to check labels for warnings, and please take advantage of the 2010 S.T.O.P. dates to ensure safe disposal.

Explosives, fireworks, ammunition, radioactive materials, and commercial or industrial wastes are not accepted.

WHAT POLLUTANTS CAN BE ACCEPTED:

Electronic Waste (Anything electronic device with a plug except a kitchen appliance)

Household Batteries

Compact fluorescent bulbs

Air conditioning refrigerants

Ammonia and solid bowl cleaner

Anti-freeze

Bug and rodent killers including 2, 4-D (Especially pesticides which have been banned or restricted for use)

Bleach and disinfectants

Chemistry Kits

Drain cleaners and degreasers

Fertilizers and herbicides

Mercury products

Non-latex paints

Paint thinners and brush cleaner

Photography chemicals

Some polishes and wood preservers

Swimming pool chemicals

Spot removers and other solvents

Unused oven cleaners

Unused flammable liquids (fire starter)

Weed killers

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISPOSAL OF LATEX AND WATER BASED PAINTS 

Many Town of North Hempstead residents are under the impression that water-based paints and latex paints are considered hazardous and must be disposed of at a S.T.O.P. Collection Day. This is INCORRECT. Latex and water-based paints, once dried out (usually 24-36 hours after the lid is removed) can be placed in a trash bag and thrown out with your regular household garbage. Latex and water-based paints will not be accepted at a S.T.O.P. Collection site. 

OIL BASED PAINTS, on the other hand, are considered hazardous, and will be accepted at any S.T.O.P. Collection Day program. 

Dispose of Unwanted Pharmaceuticals

To help protect our bays and keep your family safe, residents can discard expired and unwanted pharmaceuticals at S.T.O.P day.

PHARMACEUTICAL COLLECTION INFORMATION 

Instructions:

•    Keep all medications in their original containers
•    Block out the name for anonymity -- do not cross out medication information

Accepted:

•         Prescription medications (controlled and uncontrolled)
•        All over-the-counter medications
•        Medication samples
•        Pet Medications
•        Vitamins and supplements
•        Medicated ointments, lotions, creams, and oils
•        Inhalers
•        Liquid medication
•        Homeopathic Remedies
•        Suppositories

Not Accepted:

•       Sharps (e.g. needles and Syringes)
•        IV bags
•        Bloody or infectious waste
•        Pharmaceutical waste not generated by households (e.g.,        clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, doctors, etc.)
•        Radioactive pharmaceuticals
•        Vaccines

Participation is for residents only.