Fairfield confirms May household hazardous waste collection, warns of prior flyer confusion

Fairfield’s Solid Waste and Recycling Commission discussed the town’s household hazardous waste (HHW) collection on Feb. 9 and confirmed plans to hold the event in May to better fit the fiscal year and reduce wait times.

Department Director John Catell said the HHW collection was moved from an October slot to May so the costs would fall in the current fiscal year, and estimated the date around the third weekend of May. Participants discussed coordinating with nearby towns and advising residents that some items (paint, oil, antifreeze, batteries) can be brought to local alternatives such as Sherwin‑Williams or the transfer station to avoid long lines.

Catell also said he received an invoice that exceeded the expected HHW expense: "the budget around 65,000. I got a bill today for 75," and he said he will seek clarification from the vendor. Commissioners noted that outdated flyers and a wrong preregistration link had contributed to confusion at the last event and resolved to improve communications ahead of May’s event.

The commission did not adopt new policy at the meeting but directed staff to coordinate logistics, refine outreach messaging, and reconcile the vendor invoice before the next update.