Time to dispose of unsafe trash
IN THE CITY
by Dana H. Fowler
Next week, we will be holding our fifth 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 to be held this year in Aroostook County will be at the Presque Isle Recycling Center on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 8 a.m. to noon. There is still time to pre-register for that collection by calling Connie at the Northern Maine Development Commission at 498-8736. The deadline for pre-registration is Thursday, June 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 not be accepting pharmaceuticals or medications like we have at past Household Hazardous Waste Collection events. 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 24 hours per day any day of the week all year long. Medications that are accepted include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and animal medications.
Keeping outdated and unwanted medications, pesticides, and hazardous waste in your home poses a threat to you, your family, your pets, and the environment.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 H. Fowler, P.E. is the solid waste director for the City of Presque Isle. He can be contacted at 760-2712 or e-mail him at dfowler@presqueisleme.us.
