FAQs • Tri-County Health Department, CO • CivicEngage

Are there extra precautions that need to be taken when digging or building around an old landfill site?: Yes, municipal landfills built prior to modern construction practices often were not built to properly vent landfill gas that builds up when the buried waste breaks down. This lack of proper venting can cause landfill gas (methane) to build up and travel the path of least resistance to migrate through the soil. This can lead to potential explosive conditions. When excavating soils for building near an old landfill there is a potential for methane gas to migrate to the disturbed soils. Please contact your local Tri-County Environmental Health office or your local zoning department to determine if there are precautions to be taken in a particular area.

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Landfills & Solid Waste

1. Where is the nearest household solid waste site to me?: Household Waste Disposal Sites

2. Where is the nearest industrial solid waste site to me?: Industrial Solid Waste Disposal Sites

3. What kind of waste is not permitted in landfulls?: Any waste regulated under Colorado Hazardous Waste Regulations 6 CCR 1007-3, liquids (unless first solidified), residentially generated tires, residentially generated lead acid (automobile) batteries, residentially generated waste motor oil and residentially generated electronics.

4. Are there extra precautions that need to be taken when digging or building around an old landfill site?: Yes, municipal landfills built prior to modern construction practices often were not built to properly vent landfill gas that builds up when the buried waste breaks down. This lack of proper venting can cause landfill gas (methane) to build up and travel the path of least resistance to migrate through the soil. This can lead to potential explosive conditions. When excavating soils for building near an old landfill there is a potential for methane gas to migrate to the disturbed soils. Please contact your local Tri-County Environmental Health office or your local zoning department to determine if there are precautions to be taken in a particular area.

5. What should I do about trash buildup in my neighbors yard?: Contact your local Tri-County Environmental Health office to file a complaint.

6. How should I properly dispose of my medical waste?: Small amounts of household medical wastes may disposed of in landfills. Sharps should be stored in a rigid, puncture-proof container. Other medical wastes should be double bagged to prevent possible contamination to haulers that may handle the waste.