by Terri Wiebold

Common products found in residential homes such as oil-based paints, gasoline, fence and deck stains, degreasers, cleaning compounds, and garden chemicals can be hazardous and should be disposed of properly. If not disposed of properly, these materials have the potential to unknowingly harm sanitation workers, create problems in sewage treatment plants and landfills, and pollute water supplies in the community.

The Castle Pines North Metro District, along with other private and public organizations in the area, is sponsoring the annual Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup Program, Saturday, August 12 and Saturday, September 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

According to Andrew Romano, CPN Metro District Storm Water Program Supervisor, there is a misconception that materials disposed of in the street gutter will go to a far-away sewage plant somewhere. The reality, said Romano, is that it actually goes into a storm sewer which will eventually become someone’s drinking water. “We are trying to educate the public about proper ways to dispose of these materials, and the Chemical Roundup Program is a great way to accomplish that,” said Romano.

The drop-off location for Saturday, August 12 is Shea Stadium, located at 3720 Redstone Park Circle in Highlands Ranch. The drop-off location for Saturday, September 30 is the Castle Rock Utilities Building, located at 175 Kellogg Drive in Castle Rock. All CPN residents are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable and environmentally-beneficial program.

For maps to the drop-off locations or for more information about what items will and will NOT be accepted, go to www.tchd.org/householdchemical.htm or call 303-846-6249. A voluntary contribution of $20 per vehicle is requested to offset the cost of disposing of the waste, and is tax deductible.