Fort Collins Free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events, June 4 and September 17

To help community members safely and properly dispose of the hazardous wastes that have accumulated in their homes, the City of Fort Collins will host free household hazardous waste collections, Saturdays, June 4 and September 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., northwest corner of Lake Street and College Avenue (on the CSU campus). Limit of 30 gallons per household.

Among items that will be accepted are pesticides, paint, cleaning products, automotive products, used oil and mercury-containing switches and compact fluorescents (labeled and non-leaking).

Items that will not be accepted include explosives, asbestos, bio-waste (e.g. needles, bandages), pharmaceuticals and electronics. Commercial and industrial wastes also will not be accepted. When packing and transporting hazardous products, be sure to follow these safety tips:

* Store items upright in boxes or tubs (do not bring them loose in bags).
* Place similar items together (do not stack or pile on top of each other).
* Ensure containers are sealed and not leaking.
* Store acids and oxidizers separately, away from each other as well as other hazardous products.
* Keep items away from children and pets.

In addition to being poisonous to humans and wildlife, hazardous waste can be explosive, highly flammable and corrosive. Do not dispose of hazardous wastes by pouring them down a sink or storm drain or by tossing them into the trash. Wastewater treatment plants and sanitary landfills are not designed to handle this waste.

Residents also may take their hazardous products to the Larimer County's Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at the landfill on South Taft Hill Road (hours and details at www.larimer.org/solidwaste/haz.htm).

For more information and to find out if a particular item will be accepted, e-mail utilities@fcgov.com, call (970) 221-6700 or TDD (970) 224-6003. Learn about additional disposal options at www.fcgov.com/recyclingcenters and other City sustainability efforts at www.fcgov.com/green.