Get rid of household hazardous waste for free May 16 in Fort Collins
Get rid of household hazardous waste for free May 16 in Fort Collins
How to store and use a fire extinguisher in your home
Do you know what to do if there’s a small fire in your home? Learn how to choose, maintain and safely store household fire extinguishers.
Don’t forget about this weekend’s free household hazardous waste collection event in Fort Collins — your chance to get rid of some things in your house that need extra care when disposed of.
The city of Fort Collins will collect items like paint, cleaning supplies, batteries and fluorescent lights from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 at the city’s streets facility, 625 Ninth St.
Accepted items include:
- Pesticides
- Paint products
- Household batteries
- Fluorescent lights
- Cleaning and automotive products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Personal care products (hair products, lotions)
- Mercury-containing items (thermostat/appliance switches, thermometers, button-shaped batteries)
Items that won’t be accepted include tires, e-waste, asbestos, explosives, pharmaceuticals, bio-waste (needles, bandages), or commercial and industrial waste.
Why can’t I put these items in my trash can?
Dumping these items in the trash or putting them down the drain can cause safety and environmental problems, according to the Larimer County solid waste website: “If buried in the landfill, chemicals can react and cause explosions or make their way into the groundwater. … Properly disposing of hazardous waste through the hazardous waste program also helps protect our county’s lakes, streams, and ponds.”
Where else can I get rid of household hazardous waste?
If you need to dispose of household hazardous waste but can’t do it May 16, the Timberline Recycling Center and Larimer County Landfill accept it year-round. Visit each site’s website for more information about which items are accepted and any related fees.
For more information about the event, visit fortcollins.gov/HHW.