Great American Cleanup of PA this weekend

Volunteers may need to be extra vigilant DUNMORE — This weekend many individuals, families and groups will volunteer their time to help clean up litter along Pennsylvania’s roadsides, parks and streams as part of the Great American Cleanup of PA. Volunteers may need to be extra vigilant as they clean up along streams and roadways, especially in the rural areas. The makeshift equipment and byproducts of illicit meth production can be hazardous or even explosive. Here are some steps volunteers can take to recognize the potential danger and respond safely to it: How do you recognize meth waste? Odors - Meth production creates strong odors that may smell like ammonia, ether, solvents or vinegar. Materials - Meth is made from a variety of household items, such as cold medicine tablets, lithium batteries, coffee filters, milk cartons and matchbooks. Chemicals - Meth production requires a variety of chemicals and gases, such as propane tanks, compressed gas cylinders, antifreeze and acetone. These are potentially explosive and combustible. Makeshift equipment - Meth makers use a variety of makeshift equipment, like respiratory masks or filters, rubber gloves, tubes, funnels, glass containers, crock-pots, hot plates and milk cartons. What should you do if you find meth waste? Recognize - The materials, chemicals and makeshift equipment used in meth labs may be found individually, grouped together or contained inside trash bags along the highway. If you find any of the above items and believe them to be meth lab waste, trust your instincts and do not tamper with them in any way. Relocate - If you think you may be looking at meth waste materials, keep your distance! Realize that you may be looking at both a crime scene and a toxic waste dump. Gather the members of your group and move away from the site. Report - Call your local or PA State Police or 9-1-1 immediately to report what you see. Tie a garbage bag to a nearby fence or pole to help direct law enforcement to the site.