i : : Beputy Chief Kari Gerhard
Nashua Fire SCue Group 3 Shift Commander
Administrative Office Nashua Fire Rescue
70 East Hollis Street, Nashua, NH 03060 (608) 584 3636
www.nashuafire.com Gerhardk @nashuanh.gov
August 16, 2017
To: City of Nashua Board of Aldermen
From: Deputy Chief Gerhard
RE: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program Support
Dear Alderman,
| am writing on you this letter of support of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
(HHWCP). The regional program provides a valuable service to the City of Nashua and greatly
reduces the amount of household hazardous waste that could otherwise be improperly disposed
of. Improper disposal of household hazardous materials can result in a multitude of negative
events including; hazardous materials incidents, hazardous materials contamination of people,
property, or the environment. Just last year the HHWCP collected just under 100,000 pounds of
waste from just over 1700 households (HHWCP 2016 stats).
As the coordinator of the City of Nashua Hazardous Materials Team | am in regular contact with
the HHWCP managers prior their collection events held at the Department of public works.
While most hazardous waste collected at these events has been routine, we have had instances of
more serious chemicals have been brought by residents for disposal. Especially in these
instances, | am most thankful for this program where these materials are being placed in the
custody of a HHWCP contractor who is a properly trained professional to handle these (and all
other waste) items.
If it were not for the HHWCP program, I am certain these materials would be improperly
disposed of, or remain in improper environments where negative occurrences are more likely to
happen. Residents need a methodology to properly dispose of household hazardous waste. The
HHWCP is the only program of this type that meets this community need.
Nashua Fire Rescue supports the HHWCP and we hope the Board of Alderman will consider
doing so as well.
Any questions please contact me.
Very Respectfully,
Ch 4A
Ef,
Karl Gerhard
Deputy Fire Chief
Nashua Fire Rescue
