PRESS ROOM

CHLORINE AND OTHER POOL CHEMICALS POSE DANGERS
IF PLACED IN THE GARBAGE OR MISHANDLED

(May 29, 2007 Chesapeake, VA) -- With summer around the corner, area residents with backyard swimming pools will be treating their pools with chlorine and other chemicals in an effort to maintain a healthy environment for summer fun.
            Many of the chemicals used to maintain pools are dangerous when mixed with other common household products.  Mismanagement of these products can have serious consequences including fires and noxious fumes.  All homeowners should make sure their chemicals are properly stored with lids sealed tight when not in use and also ensure that left over materials are properly disposed.  When these items are discarded with regular trash, the health and safety of curbside collectors is unnecessarily put at risk.
            Also, Virginia environmental regulations prohibit disposal of pool chemicals in a landfill.  The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) accepts chlorine and many other household chemicals at any of its eight household hazardous waste facilities.  For the facility closest to you, click here or call Public Information at (757) 420-4700.

SPSA has been providing efficient and environmentally sound waste disposal services to the region and its residents since 1985. SPSA’s solid waste management system includes waste-to-energy, yard waste composting, drop-off and curbside recycling as well as other recycling programs, household hazardous waste collection, landfilling, landfill gas-to-energy and education programs. This integrated waste management system enables SPSA to put 57% of the waste it receives to a beneficial use, thus allowing the region to reduce its dependence on landfills.