Household Hazardous Waste Plus Collection Event Returns to Langley

Since its inception twenty years ago, the Household Hazardous Waste Event has provided residents of the Township of Langley and Langley City the opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous waste and recyclable items not accepted in curbside collection. This year, the Household Hazardous Waste Plus Collection Event returns Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24 at a new location, George Preston Recreation Centre, from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day.

While most items commonly found around the home are easily disposed of or recycled, some items require more care and can be turned-in at the event. These types of household hazardous waste include paint, varnish, and paint thinners, as well as light bulbs, electronics, and batteries. Residents can also drop-off items such as thermometers, smoke detectors, and small appliances for recycling.

“Even products we use every day can require special disposal,” said Debbie Fleming, Solid Waste Coordinator for the Township of Langley. “Household items such as pesticides and vehicle fluids can be dangerous if tossed in the garbage, burned, buried, or dumped down the drain. The Household Hazardous Waste event is the perfect time to conveniently dispose these types of items.”

While the event returns to Langley following a hiatus in 2020, Fleming advises residents of notable changes from years past, in addition to the event’s new location. As always, the event is drop-off only and free-of-charge for Langley residents with proof of residency. However, attendees must wear a mask for the entirety of their visit, and always remain in their vehicles with windows rolled-up unless speaking to staff. Event staff will unload waste from vehicles, but only items retrievable from truck beds or vehicle trunks/hatches will be accepted. No items will be accepted from the cabin of a vehicle or accepted through windows/doors. Additionally, liquid items must be in a secure container with a closed lid. Leaking items will not be accepted as they can be dangerous if spilled or mixed with other materials.

To ensure the weekend runs as efficiently as possible, residents are cautioned to bring only items to the event that are fit for disposal or recycling. Boxes, totes, and containers carrying or storing items for drop-off will not be returned, including items attendees often want back, such as Rubbermaid-style totes or plastic bins and baskets.

Over the years, the event has proven popular with residents. Fleming reminds residents they need not hold on to hazardous waste and recyclables in anticipation of the event. Residents are encouraged to skip the lineup by making use of Metro Vancouver Recycling and Waste Centres and local retailers that accept these items year-round. To see which items can be accepted at depots year-round, visit tol.ca/takeitback.

Visitors to the Hazardous Waste Plus Recycling Event can bring donations of non-perishable food items for the Langley Food Bank. For more information on the Household Hazardous Waste Plus Collection Event, visit tol.ca/HHW.

Langley residents can dispose of household hazardous waste, such as leftover paint, at the Household Hazardous Waste Event, October 23 and 24 at the George Preston Recreation Centre.