The Internmunicipal Relations Committee's (IRC) annual 2014 household hazardous waste collection held on July 12 at Peoples Natural Gas Field turned out to be a huge success. Residents not only from Blair county, but surrounding counties as well, lined up all day in their vehicles to dispose of and recycle their hazardous products and chemicals. The participation of nearly 450 households in this years event increased by over 50% from the 2013 household hazardous waste collection. Some common hazardous materials found in this years event were latex paints,oil-based paints, pesticides,automotive waste,pool chemicals,and household cleaners.

Take our recycling survey and maybe you'll win something, too. Tell us about your hopes for the future of recycling and composting in Blair County and get a chance to win a gift certificate. Our on-line survey only takes a few minutes to complete  and participants will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate for a truck full of the IRC's beautiful mulch. 

Presecription drugs and antibiotics can cause several serious environmental problems and should never be put down the drain or in th etrash. The trafficing and improper use of narcotics is also a source of criminal activiity. With this in mind, three Blair County police departments now accept prescription drugs throughout the week. Hours vary, so please check the schedules below.

• Greater Altoona Area - Altoona Police Department, 1106 - 16th Street, 814-949-2489, All day everyday
• Southern Blair County - Hollidaysburg Police Department, 401 Blair Street, 814-695-3711, Weekdays from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
• Northern Blair County - Tyrone Police Department, 1100 Logan Avenue, 814-684-1364, Weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.