by Terri Wiebold

According to the Tri-County Health Department, a total of 2,650 Douglas County households participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2006, safely disposing of more than 121 tons of hazardous materials. This included 12,825 pounds of pesticides, 150 pounds of mercury-containing devices, 6,204 gallons of hazardous liquids, and more than 91 tons of paint. If not for the Roundups, this waste might have ended up in creeks and rivers or disposed of illegally on other people’s property.

The Castle Pines North Metro District, along with other private and public organizations in the area, sponsors the annual Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup Program. The drop-off location for Saturday, August 11 is Shea Stadium, located at 3720 Redstone Park Circle in Highlands Ranch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drop-off location for Saturday, September 22 is the Castle Rock Utilities Building, located at 175 Kellogg Drive in Castle Rock, also from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All CPN residents are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable and environmentally-beneficial program.
Participants do not have to get out of vehicles at the Roundup because volunteers help unload the materials. The events are offered free-of-charge to local residents, however, participants will be asked for a $20 tax deductible contribution to help offset the high costs of hazardous waste disposal. Get with neighbors and carpool to help minimize the cost. Participants will be asked for a driver’s license, water bill, utility bill or phone bill as proof of Douglas County residency.
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 Greg McConnell at 720-322-1541.