Howell Authorities Investigating Hazmat Scene

Close to 20 gallons of used motor oil was found along the side of Maxim Road on Friday and authorities are reminding residents that hazardous materials can bring those items to the township recycling center.

The Howell Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Howell Police Department as well as representatives from the Southard Fire Department Hazardous Materials team and the Ramtown Fire Department responded to the scene at around 6 p.m.

Deputy Mayor Robert Nicastro, who also serves OEM Coordinator for the township said it was a situation that could have been easily avoided. “It’s a shame that the idiot who illegally dumped this oil has so much disregard for the law and environment.” He added,

Nicastro said not only does it cost money to clean the waste, there are other factors to consider as well including taking resources like first responders away from other potential calls. “It’s especially frustrating knowing you have a recycling center in town and you can bring this stuff there for free,” he added.

The situation is being investigated by the Howell Township Code Enforcement department and the Howell Police Department.

Items like oil can be brought to the recycling center to be disposed of properly for no cost according to Nicastro. The recycling center is located at 278 Old Tavern Road near the Public Works Department and the Police Department. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is only closed on New Years Eve, Easter Sunday, Independence Day and Christmas Day. It is available to residents and small companies with less than 50 employees.

Other items that can be brought to the center include aluminum and tin cans, plastic bottles and newspapers as well as glass jars and bottles, flattened corrugated cardboard and mixed paper. The center also takes less traditional items including used motor oil, leaves, brush, car batteries, appliances, light metals, used clothing and electronic devices. When bringing items to the center a proof of identification is asked for to show proof of residency.