Household Hazardous Waste collection day approaching

    Next week, we will be holding our fourth Household Hazardous Waste collection day. Sad to say, this may be the last one that is held due to budget constraints of the many organizations that financially support this important event. If you have never participated before, this is the year to check your home for hazardous chemicals because there is no guarantee that there will be any future collections.     First, let’s define what Household Hazardous Waste is. The simplest definition is that if the container has the words poison, danger, warning, or caution on it, then it is hazardous. A few examples of Household Hazardous Waste include oven cleaner, drain cleaner, pesticides, battery acid, gasoline, antifreeze, brake fluid, paint remover, solvents, and pool chemicals.
    The only Household Hazardous Waste collection day this year to be held Aroostook County will be in Presque Isle on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is still time to preregister for that collection by calling Connie at the Northern Maine Development Commission at 498-8736. The deadline for preregistration is Wednesday, September 9th, so be sure to call on or before that date. This is a free event for households, so there will be no cost for participants.
    We will also be accepting medications like we did last year. If you have only medications, no preregistration is required. You can just go to the Presque Isle Transfer Station on September 12th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and you can dispose of your old, unwanted, and outdated medications for free. Medications include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and animal medications.
    If you want to dispose of medications at any time during the year, they can be taken to the police departments in Caribou, Houlton, and Presque Isle. If you live in another community, you can take your medications to one of those three communities or call your local police department.
    Keeping outdated and unwanted medications, pesticides, and hazardous waste in your home poses a threat to you, your family, your pets, and the environment. Take advantage of this free program to ensure the safety and well being of your family and the environment.
    Dana Fowler is the solid waste director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be contacted at 764-2512 or via e-mail at dfowler@presqueisleme.us.