Board of Health

Mission:

We respond to requirements and complaints from the general public and contractors. We oversee the Title V Program as it pertains to septic systems; monitor inspections of food establishments, schools, and rentals; remain current with state health advisories and immunizations.

Household Hazardous Waste Day

The Merrimac Board of Health will be holding a Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 from 8 AM to 12 PM. The event will be held at the Sweetsir School located at 104 Church St. The event will be held rain or shine, and contractors are not able to use this event to dispose of materials. 

This even is open to residents of Merrimac, Groveland, West Newbury, Amesbury, Rowley, Georgetown and Newbury ONLY; all other residents will be turned away.

Residents are allowed to bring oil-based paints (not latex paint), varnishes, pesticides, pool chemicals, gasoline, and other household hazardous chemicals. Residents should expect to be charged by the size of the container, not the approximation of the chemicals remaining in the container. Cash and checks (made payable to the Town of Merrimac) will be accepted. No credit cards. 

What Hazardous Products Can I Bring?

General Household Materials

• Acids (corrosives)
• Aerosol cans (excluding empty cans)
• Art supplies
• Batteries – Alkaline batteries manufactured before 1994 and all NiCad, button, zinc, and lithium batteries
• Chemistry set chemicals
• Fiberglass resins
• Furniture, floor, metal polishes, and strippers
• Hobby supplies (rubber cement, airplane glue, etc)
• Moth balls/crystals
• Oil paint and paint thinners, varnish, stain, and shellac (NO LATEX PAINT IS ALLOWED)
• Paint Strippers
• Photography chemicals
• Rug and upholstery cleaners
• Solvent adhesives
• Turpentine and other paint solvents
• Wood preservatives

Lawn & Garden Materials

• Cesspool cleaners (corrosives)
• Flammable liquids/gasoline
• Flea and tick powders
• Fire starters
• Fungicides
• Herbicides
• Insecticides
• No-pest strips
• Pesticides
• Poisons
• Pool chemicals
• Propane tanks, empty or partially empty, up to 20 lbs*

Bathroom Products

• Hair dye
• Nail polish remover
• Toilet cleaners

Laundry Materials

• Brighteners
• Chlorine bleach
• Spot removers
• Spray starch
• Whiteners

Kitchen Materials

• Drain cleaners
• Lighter fluids
• Oven cleaners

Automotive Products

• Antifreeze
• Batteries (autos, motorcycles, etc)
• Brake fluid
• Carburetor cleaner
• Oil – used
• Radiator flush
• Solvents and degreasers
• Tire cleaners
• Transmission fluid
• Waste fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.)

DO NOT BRING:

• Ammunition, fireworks, explosives
• Asbestos
• Commercial hazardous waste
• Construction waste/building materials
• CRT’s, CPU’s, computer monitors, television sets (can go to Recycle Center)
• Empty aerosol cans
• Fire extinguishers
• Gas cylinders (other than propane)*
• Infectious or biological wastes – medical waste can be dropped off on scheduled collection days
• Latex Paint – dried out latex paint can be disposed of with your regular trash curbside
• Medicines or syringes – medical waste can be dropped off on scheduled collection days
• PCB’s
• Radioactive materials
• Smoke detectors
• Tires

To Ensure Safety:

• NEVER MIX CHEMICALS
• NEVER SMOKE while handling hazardous materials
• Do not place waste in plastic garbage bags
• Tighten caps and lids leaving material in original labeled containers
• Sort and pack paint, pesticides, and household cleaners separately
• Pack containers in sturdy upright boxes and pad with newspaper
• Pack your vehicle and go directly to the disposal site

Mosquito Spraying:

Request an Exclusion or opt out from Wide Area Pesticide Applications: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-request-an-exclusion-or-opt-out-from-wide-area-pesticide-applications

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Leash Law:

Kindly remember that there is a leash law, and the law mandates that animal waste be picked up and properly disposed of.  Do not leave your dog out without being tethered.  If you are walking your dog, keep him on a leash and please pick up the waste in a plastic bag and take it home with you, or discard it in a rubbish receptacle, if there is one available during your walk.  Please be considerate and do not throw the bag on the ground in an empty lot or anywhere else.  Thank you. 

 

Reminder:

Annual Keeping of Animals Permits expire on March 31st each year. All other permits expire December 31st. Applications can be found at: https://townofmerrimac.com/document-category/health/

 

Massachusetts Regulations:

Landlord Tenant Information – https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-landlord-and-tenant

 

Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control – https://www.mass.gov/the-massachusetts-lead-law

 

Massachusetts Retail Food Code – https://www.mass.gov/doc/merged-food-code-111618/download

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission:

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