Thousands of Bridgeport residents came out for the city's annual Hazardous Waste Day event.

People showed up at Blackham School to safely dispose of paints, anti-freeze, fluorescent light bulbs and more.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection encouraged residents to take advantage of the free service.

City officials say it promotes an eco-friendly value system that also helps to keep the city clean and green.

"Well it's a huge effort and year after year we see more people, more families coming out with hazardous waste and disposing at it the proper way," said Mayor Joe Ganim.

The event was sponsored by the nonprofit "Paint-Care Connecticut," which promotes environmental stewardship by local towns and cities.