Household Chemical Roundups – residents clean up
Tri-County Health Department employees and volunteers dispose of the chemicals and hazardous waste at the roundups.
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold
According to the Tri-County Health Department, an estimated 1,900 vehicles participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2009, safely disposing of more than 84 tons of hazardous materials. This included 11,085 pounds of pesticides, 405 pounds of mercury-containing devices, 760 gallons of anti-freeze, and 1,725 gallons of used motor oil.
If not for the roundups, this waste might have ended up in local creeks and rivers or disposed of illegally on other people’s property. Additionally, residents safely disposed of 545 tires, 435 propane tanks, and 539 automotive batteries.
The Castle Pines Metro District, South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, the Castle Pines North Metro District, and other private and public organizations in the area sponsor the annual Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup Program. There are three drop off opportunities in 2010.
The drop-off location for Saturday, June 5 is the Parker Joint Service Facility, located at 17801 E Plaza Drive in Parker from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drop-off location for Saturday, August 8 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 12 is the Castle Rock Utilities Building, located at 175 Kellogg Drive in Castle Rock, also from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All Castle Pines residents are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable and environmentally beneficial program.
Participants do not have to get out of their vehicles at the roundup because volunteers help unload the materials. The events are offered free-of-charge to local residents; however, participants are encouraged to make a $25 tax-deductible contribution to help offset the high costs of hazardous waste disposal. Get with neighbors and carpool to help minimize the cost. Please be prepared to provide 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, call Greg McConnell at 720-322-1541 or go to www.tchd.org/householdchemical.htm.
