Centre County hazardous waste event evacuated after explosive substance found. What we know

A household hazardous waste collection event in Centre County was evacuated Friday afternoon after an explosive substance was brought to the site, but an official said the area was all-clear by Friday evening.

No injuries were reported.

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority evacuated the event at 1:40 p.m. at its Transfer Road location, along with its processing and maintenance buildings in College Township, after a community member unwittingly brought in an explosive substance known as diethyl ether. Amy Schirf, education coordinator for CCRRA, told the CDT a contractor on site identified the substance as explosive, prompting the CCRRA to evacuate and call in local hazmat crews and a bomb squad.

According to the Encyclopedia of Toxicology, diethly ether is a component of starting fluids and is used as a solvent in the manufacture of synthetic dyes and plastics. It is “highly volatile and extremely flammable.”

About two hours after the evacuation, Schirf said a bomb squad was preparing to detonate the substance as the safest method of removal. And, five hours after the evacuation, Schirf confirmed the diethyl ether was detonated.

According to a flyer for the event, residents were instructed not to bring latex paint, medications, motor oil, batteries, explosives and ammunition.

Still, Schirf said earlier Friday that being able to get the substance handled by professionals was in the spirit of the event.

“We have this event for that — to get it out of people’s houses,” Schirf said. “And so the right people are able to deal with it. But I guess in this instance, it was explosive and she didn’t even know she had it.”

The free household hazardous waste collection event was slated to take place Friday and Saturday, and Schirf said Saturday is still expected to go on as planned. Anyone who missed their reservation time Friday due to the evacuation is welcome to stop by between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday to dispose of their hazardous household waste, she added.

Household waste that is accepted at the event includes insecticides, weed killer, anti-freeze, cleaners/poisons, flammables, corrosives, pool chemicals, CFL bulbs, fluorescent tubes, oil-based paints, and most other hazardous chemicals.

This story was originally published April 26, 2024 at 3:58 PM.