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Southwestern PA Household Hazardous Waste Task Force Wins Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence

Posted on: Friday, 20 April 2007, 15:00 CDT

PITTSBURGH, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty today honored the Southwestern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste Task Force for coordinating collection and disposal of household hazardous waste and reducing waste through public education.

"The Southwestern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste Task Force brings household hazardous waste collection events and education programs to urban and rural communities," McGinty said. "Homeowners now have a safe, economical and environmentally responsible way to dispose of, and learn about, potentially dangerous products.

"Since forming in 2002, the task force's efforts have grown into a well- managed, cost-effective and sustainable regional household hazardous waste collection and education program," McGinty said.

Since May 2003, 19 household hazardous waste events have been successfully organized and completed in eight western Pennsylvania counties. In 2006, the task force met and surpassed two important milestones -- the 10,000th household served, and the 1-millionth pound of household hazardous waste collected.

The task force also boasts a consumer education program that includes the recently launched Web site, http://www.swpahhw.org/. The program not only encourages participation in collection events, buy also describes ways to recognize household hazardous waste and offers tips to homeowners on how to purchase less-toxic or non-toxic alternatives, purchase only the amount needed, and use these products safely.

The Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence honors Pennsylvania businesses and organizations that put in place projects to tackle environmental problems, help build new businesses, enhance the bottom line and engage residents in a renewed commitment to investing in communities.

"From innovations in clean energy to household hazardous waste awareness, each of this year's winners is making an invaluable contribution that will protect public health and safety, stimulate economic growth and improve the health of Pennsylvania's environment," McGinty said.

DEP received 45 applications for the 2007 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. The applications were evaluated according to their overall environmental benefit, public service, economic impact, use of innovative technology, teamwork and environmental education and outreach. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste Task Force was one of 12 winners announced earlier this month.

Winners of the 2007 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence receive a commemorative plaque and an outdoor flag to acknowledge their commitment to environmental quality. Each recipient will be presented with these exclusive awards during events at the winner's location.

To view a detailed summary of the 12 winning projects, visit the DEP Web site at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/ and click on "2007 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence."

CONTACT: Kerry Chippo

717-787-1323

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

CONTACT: Kerry Chippo of DEP, +1-717-787-1323

Web site: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/http://www.swpahhw.org/

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

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