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

The Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (S.T.O.P.) Program is designed to provide area residents with a safe, environmentally sound method of disposal of the many hazardous materials found in the average home. By bringing such toxins as antifreeze, drain cleaners and pesticides on any of the scheduled S.T.O.P. collection days, you and your family can make a significant contribution to the protection of our precious groundwater supply and the preservation of our bays and estuaries. Please join with us in cleaning our homes of hazardous material and ensuring their proper collection and disposal. Together we can ensure the continued integrity of our fragile ecosystem.

When bringing items, please follow these simple guidelines: Wrap leaking containers in newspaper and place in a plastic bag or larger container. Make sure all caps and lids are tight. Place items securely in a box for transportation. Use newspaper or cardboard to keep items from tipping or hitting each other. Place chemicals which may react with each other in separate areas of the vehicle. Do not leave products in a hot, unventilated vehicle for an extended period of time. Do not smoke near chemical products. Wear rubber gloves when handling containers.

Waste from commercial establishments, schools, churches, synagogues or home businesses will not be accepted. No commercial vehicles are permitted.

Residents residing in our collection districts can dispose of electronic recycling items by calling special pickup. All residents of the Town of Hempstead may dispose of electronic waste at the Homeowner Disposal Area, 1600 Merrick Road, Merrick, 11566. For additional information contact (516) 378-4210, prompt #6.

Sharps (needles, syringes & lancets) are NOT accepted at S.T.O.P. events. Information regarding the safe disposal of sharps can be found at the New York State Department of Health. Information about the safe disposal of unused medicines can be found at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and/or using the Drug Enforcement Administration's Controlled Substance Public Disposal search tool.

For questions about our S.T.O.P. Program, please call 516-378-4210, phone prompt #6.

Mercury Recycling Program

Many old thermostats contain mercury. Now, you can bring you old thermostat to a S.T.O.P. event, keep mercury out of the waste stream and receive a $5 gift card to a local home center compliments of Covanta Energy. (Limit of 5 offers per household, please.)

S.T.O.P. Program Schedule

Partial funding for the S.T.O.P. Program is provided by a grant from
the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Presented in cooperation with the Nassau County Department of Parks.