Somers Residents Get a Guide to Proper Household Waste Disposal

Disposing of household waste in Somers, NY can be confusing. Jennifer Barker Kuskovski, Contributing Writer for Halston Media Group, remembers her father's phrase 'Put it in File 13' from her childhood, meaning to throw something away but not knowing how to do so properly.

Today, many residents have a stash of used batteries, burnt-out light bulbs, and expired medications that need to be disposed of. Fortunately, Somers offers various options for responsible waste disposal.

Batteries pose a risk if not handled correctly. Alkaline batteries can be taken to Staples in Yorktown Heights for free as part of its electronics recycling program, despite federal regulations allowing them in regular trash. Rechargeable batteries require designated drop boxes at Somers Town House, Home Depot (Mohegan Lake), Lowe's (Yorktown Heights), and Staples, while button/coin batteries can be dropped off at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Staples.

Light bulbs also need to be disposed of carefully. Fluorescent bulbs should be brought to customer service/returns at Lowe's or Home Depot, but LED bulbs are not currently accepted by e-waste recycling facilities and must be wrapped before being thrown away in the trash.