REALTORS® can be a great resource for their clients to properly manage their waste. When a resident is moving or downsizing, recycling and proper hazardous waste management can be a low priority and potentially result in environmental problems for our communities. With support from Covanta, the
Center for EcoTechnology (CET) created outreach materials for REALTORS®, downsizers, clean-out companies, and others to provide information to clients on the identification and proper disposal of elemental mercury, mercury-containing items, and other difficult to manage materials. This can reduce unwanted surprises at inspections and closings.
Covanta and CET have developed a
pre-recorded training video for GBAR members to learn about these resources. By intervening earlier in the process, you can help keep mercury and other hazards out of the waste stream, and keep your clients and the environment safe. Depending on their location, your clients may be able to receive a free pickup of elemental mercury through
Complete Recycling Solutions or by contacting CET at 413-586-7350.
Additionally, Covanta and CET have developed resources REALTORS® can share directly with their clients, including:
Tips for Identifying and Handling Difficult to Manage Items in your Home,
Hazardous Hand-Me-Downs, and a
Mercury Recovery Poster. MassDEP resources for the management of mercury and hazardous materials include:
Map of Where to Safely Dispose of Fluorescent Bulbs and Other Mercury Products and
Safely Manage Hazardous Household Products Webpage.
CET is an environmental nonprofit partnered with Covanta to keep mercury out of the waste stream. Covanta energy from waste facilities in Rochester and Haverhill generate enough electricity to power over 100,000 homes with clean renewable energy. Covanta’s MassDEP approved Material Separation Plan addresses identification and management of mercury and other difficult to manage items and the information is available for any resident, business or community to use.