FAQs • Tri-County Health Department, CO • CivicEngage

What are the dates for the Household Chemical Roundups?: Tri-County Health Department organizes Household Chemical Roundups for Douglas County by appointment only to collect hazardous wastes and dispose of them properly. For dates visit the Douglas County tab at www.tchd.org/hcroundup. Events for Adams and Arapahoe County are organized by the towns, which should be contacted for further information.

▼
Household Hazardous Waste

1. What items are accepted at Household Chemical Roundup events?: Acceptable items collected during the Household Chemical Roundup events include paint and paint products, motor oil, antifreeze, automotive fluids and fuels, vehicle batteries, household batteries, solvents, house and garden chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), cleaning supplies, items containing mercury, and propane tanks. Household Chemical Roundup events cannot accept waste from businesses, and are not able to accept radioactive waste, smoke detectors, electronic waste of any kind, oil drums, asbestos, sharps/medical waste, tires, flares, or explosives.

2. How can I dry latex paint on my own?: Latex paint is not a hazardous waste, and can be safely disposed of with your regular household garbage once it is dried out and no longer liquid. To dry latex paint, remove the lid from the paint cans, mix in an absorbent to speed the drying process (such as kitty litter, dirt or sand) and allow the paint to dry completely before disposing with your regular trash pickup.

3. Where can you recycle electronic and computer waste?: Under Colorado law, residential and business electronics are banned from being disposed of in a landfill and must be recycled. Electronics are made from valuable resources such as precious metals, copper, and engineered plastics, all of which require considerable energy to process and manufacture. A list of Registered Electronic Recycling Facilities and their locations can be found online, and also on Google Maps.

4. How can I recycle compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs?: Many hardware supply stores and other retailers offer in-store recycling. CFLs can also be taken to your local household chemical roundup event for recycling. Visit Earth 911 to find a store in your area. CFLs contain small amounts of mercury-containing powder. If you have accidentally broken a bulb, have people and pets leave the room. Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a door or window (remember to shut off central heating and air if you have one). Do not vacuum. Wear gloves and collect broken glass and visible powder using a stiff paper or cardboard. Use a disable wet wipes or damp towel to pick up any residue. Detailed instructions can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency website.

5. How do I dispose of medication?: Effective July 1, 2016 only select law enforcement agencies and Walgreen locations are able to accept medication/pharmaceutical waste. Please follow link to find a list of drop-off locations in the State of Colorado. For more information about proper disposal of medication visit the CDPHE website https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/colorado-medication-take-back-program or call 303-692-2903 for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) - Medication Take-Back Program
Pharmaceutical Fact Sheet

6. How do I dispose of mercury?: Mercury is a silver-white to gray substance that can be found in thermometers and switches. The best way to dispose of mercury or a mercury containing device is to bring it for treatment to your local household chemical roundup. The safest way to transport your thermometer is to bring it in a ridged container and/or in the original case. It can also be put in a plastic Ziploc bag. More information on mercury can be found in the Mercury Thermometer Fact Sheet. Information to clean up a mercury spill can be found in the Mercury Spill Cleanup Guidance.

7. What are the dates for the Household Chemical Roundups?: Tri-County Health Department organizes Household Chemical Roundups for Douglas County by appointment only to collect hazardous wastes and dispose of them properly. For dates visit the Douglas County tab at www.tchd.org/hcroundup. Events for Adams and Arapahoe County are organized by the towns, which should be contacted for further information.

8. Where can I dispose of household hazardous waste when there is not a chemical roundup?: Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties do not have a permanent site to drop-off household chemicals. An alternative is Rooney Road Recycling in Golden, Colorado. The household hazardous waste facility at the Rooney Road Recycling Center is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only (303-316-6262). There is a $90 fee to residents outside of Jefferson County. Other resources can be found on the Other Options tab on Household Chemical Roundup page.