Collection Coordination

From RI.GOV - To help Rhode Island fire departments dispose of current inventories of the so-called "legacy foam," DEM's Office of Emergency Response (OER) has secured a bulk rate from New England Disposal Technologies Inc. for the removal and incineration of the foam from fire department stockpiles. Although individual fire departments are responsible for removal and disposal costs, DEM will streamline the pick-up of the materials if needed. To minimize costs, DEM will designate one centralized location in each of Rhode Island's five counties where fire departments can drop off their inventory of AFFF with the disposal contractor. Using centralized locations and economies of scale will save all participating fire departments time and money. This fall DEM sent letters to all Rhode Island fire departments to make them aware of the program.

DEM is asking all Rhode Island fire departments to either take steps on their own to ensure proper disposal of legacy foams or email James.ball@dem.ri.gov for assistance with pick up. For more information or questions, call Jim Ball, Chief of DEM's Office of Emergency Response at 222-4700, ext. 7129.