Douglas County annual Household Chemical Roundup
Clean your garage and clean the environment at the Douglas County annual Household Chemical Roundup
by Terri Wiebold
According to the Tri-County Health Department, a total of 2,510 vehicles participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2008, representing an estimated 2,887 households, safely disposing of more than 155 tons of hazardous materials. This included 13,935 pounds of pesticides, 280 pounds of mercury-containing devices, 978 gallons of anti-freeze, 2,715 gallons of used motor oil, and more than 115 tons of paint.
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 493 tires, 453 propane tanks, and 591 automotive batteries.
The Castle Pines Metro District, 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 typically three drop off locations throughout the year: Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock. Two drop off opportunities remain in 2008.
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. Just drive up and a volunteer will come to your car and take care of the necessary paperwork. It is simple. Then, the volunteer event workers unload the materials from your vehicle for you. It’s the convenience of a drive thru with the benefits of full service.
These events are offered free-of-charge to local residents; however, participants are encouraged to make 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. 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, go to www.tchd.org/householdchemical.htm or call Greg McConnell at 720-322-1541.
