ELLERY – In light of the recent fire at Chautauqua County’s landfill, officials are reminding the public of what is and isn’t accepted.

The County Landfill is a Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfill. MSW landfills are the most common types of landfills. They can accept most of the non-hazardous types of waste materials produced from day to day living. This includes mixed waste materials which are not recyclable that are generated by residential, commercial, and institutional customers.

The types of acceptable materials an MSW landfill can accept are:

– MSW-non-hazardous household and commercial refuse. (non-recyclable: cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, textiles, food & non-liquid putrescible organics)

– Construction materials such as cardboard, drywall, flooring, roofing materials, wood, tile and windows.

– Demolition materials, including concrete, asphalt, glass, ceramic materials.

– Contaminated soils that were tested to certain limits.

– Furniture.

– Carpets (cut in 3 foot rolls).

– Non-rechargeable household batteries.

MSW landfills are regulated and monitored by both federal and state authorities. These regulations have strict prohibitions for certain types of waste. These prohibitions are due to the many dangers and hazards certain wastes can create.

Hazardous waste is defined as a waste with properties that make it potentially dangerous or harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, or contained gasses. The four characteristics of hazardous waste are: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity.

Any waste with certain levels of hazardous characteristics is unacceptable at an MSW landfill.

The types of waste materials not accepted at an MSW landfill are:

– All liquid waste (less than 20% solid) – fuels, oils, antifreeze, acid, etc.

– Rechargeable batteries – lithium-ion, lead-acid (automotive), nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, etc.

– Household hazardous waste – Corrosives, flammables, fluorescent tubes, pesticides, solvents, cleaners, paint, oil filters, mercury (thermometers & thermostats) other materials or products containing volatile chemicals.

– Medical waste – Needles, lancets, controlled medicines.

– Explosive and flammable waste – Explosives, hot ashes (fire pits, fire places, grills), fireworks, flares, ammunition.

– Gas cylinders and fuel tanks.

– Freon containing appliances from air conditioners, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, etc.

– Tires.

– Radioactive waste.

– Electronic waste – items that use a plug, battery or power cord (TVs, mobile phones and computers).