For Release: September 17, 1999

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

PROVIDENCE - In celebration of National Pollution Prevention Week, the Department of Environmental Management will host a display and information booth at Warwick Mall Monday, September 20 through Wednesday, September 22. The display will focus on industrial and residential pollution reduction and prevention.

It will depict the Department's work with local companies to reduce and prevent pollution within the autobody and metal finishing industries, through DEM's Pollution Prevention Program. Staff from the Pollution Prevention Program will be at the mall to answer questions from the public.

Staff from DEM's Household Hazardous Waste Program will also be on hand to provide residents with general information about household hazardous waste, including source reduction topics, proper handling and storage of household products, as well as disposal of household hazardous waste at the Eco-Depot, DEM's household hazardous waste collection facility. Information about the used oil and used oil filter collection and recycling program for households, which is sponsored by DEM and participating communities, will also be available.

As part of Pollution Prevention Week, DEM will also sponsor an informational display about household hazardous waste at the Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, on Thursday, September 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A DEM representative will be on hand to answer residents' questions about household hazardous waste and used oil issues.

DEM Director Jan Reitsma, noting that pollution prevention is already an important part of the Department's focus, joined with colleagues from eight other Northeast states and the Environmental Protection Agency in signing a resolution to increase efforts to promote the adoption of preventive practices, and to incorporate pollution prevention into environmental regulatory programs and public education, whenever possible. "The best strategy for controlling pollution is to prevent it from being generated in the first place," he said. "Consumers, businesses and government agencies can help prevent pollution by learning to identify products that may be hazardous to the public health and the environment and by seeking out environmentally responsible alternatives."

DEM's national award-winning Pollution Prevention Program, part of the Department's Office of Technical and Customer Assistance, is a voluntary, non-regulatory business assistance program that helps Rhode Island businesses develop cost-effective solutions to reduce their use of toxic and hazardous materials. Program staff, with support from the University of Rhode Island's Center for Pollution Prevention, perform on-site visits to help companies with waste-related problems, by offering technical and regulatory assistance.

Household hazardous waste collections at the Eco-Depot are scheduled for October 2, October 23, and November 13, by appointment only. Typical wastes accepted are oil based paints and stains, paint thinner and other solvents, adhesives, pesticides, household cleaners, automotive fluids, and swimming pool and hobby chemicals. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 401-222-3434 prior to the desired collection date.