by Lisa Crockett

With a thick layer of snow finally thinning enough for patches of ground to break through and temperatures suited for outdoor activity, many homeowners are looking for ways to clean out and spruce up their property. Here are some tips for safe, effective and ecologically-sound spring cleaning and projects:

Hazardous Chemicals -

Douglas County residents may dispose of hazardous waste such as paint, motor oil, antifreeze, vehicle batteries, house and garden chemicals, fire extinguishers, fireworks, ammunition, mercury, propane and tires at one of three chemical “Roundups” this spring and summer.

Individuals wishing to dispose of hazardous materials must prove residence in Douglas County (bring a drivers licence or utility bill.) Disposal is free; however, a voluntary donation of $20 is suggested to offset the high cost of hazardous waste disposal. For complete details, please call 303-846-6249 or visit www.tchd.org/householdchemical.htm.

Roundups will be held: April 28 in Parker at the Joint Services Center, 17801 E. Plaza Drive; August 11 in Highlands Ranch at Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle; and September 22 in Castle Rock at the Castle Rock Utilities Building, 175 Kellogg Court. All Roundups are from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Dig Safely -

Before you head to the garden to plant a new flowerbed or a crop of tomatoes, take the time to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado. Locators are allowed two business days to respond to accurately mark the underground lines in an excavation area.

For more information, contact the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 1-800-922-1987, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.uncc2.org.

Xeriscaping Workshop -

The Master Association will be hosting a community workshop on water conservation and Xeriscaping for homeowners wanting to learn more about saving on water costs and promoting healthy plant growth. Details of this workshop will be announced via community e-mail and on the CPN website, www.cpnhoa.org.

Trash Removal and Recycling -

Because the communities of CPN do not share a common garbage service, different neighborhoods have different rules regarding the disposal of large items and rules pertaining to recycling. For full details on a particular neighborhood’s system, contact the garbage company or the HOA’s management company directly. For contact information, visit www.cpnhoa.org and click on “Find Your HOAs.”

Tree Trimming -

Slash and mulch is set to open in Douglas County.
This is a free service for all residents.