NY state program collects 36,000 pounds of harmful chemicals

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Environmental officials are calling a sweep of harmful chemicals conducted in the spring in northern New York a success.

The so-called “CleanSweepNY” collected 36,787 pounds of chemicals from 82 participants in the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Region 5. The area includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

The collection included 11,467 pounds of pesticides, 10,857 pounds of school chemicals, 7,672 pounds of paint, and 6,785 pounds of motor oil and other liquids.

The event was the 20th since the program’s inception in 2002. Plans are underway for the next collection. That will take place in the fall in Region 6, which encompasses five counties in central and northern New York.