Water pollution can be caused by the things that we do every day. When it rains or snows, storm water mixes with trash, antifreeze, motor oil, fertilizer and a host of other chemicals, and as that water flows off sidewalks and streets, it drains to large, underground pipes that carry water directly to the nearest stream or river. The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of chemical waste each year, and all of that is flowing into nearby bodies of water. Please do your part to prevent pollution:
• Use non-toxic products.
• Pick up leaves, grass clippings and pet waste so it doesn’t wash into storm drains.
• Buy only what you need.
• Use a commercial car wash. Commercial car washes collect and filter out soap and oil. The water is then cleaned and recycled.
Door-to-Door Program
Through the Door-to-Door program, residents can schedule an appointment to have a limited amount of their household chemicals picked up at their home for $10. Items accepted include antifreeze, automotive and household batteries, small electronics, motor oil and more.
To schedule a pickup, email
[email protected] or call 303.249.0086. For more information, visit HHWDisposal.com/Colorado.
Paint recycling
There’s no need to hold on to your old paint. You can take the lid off of your latex paint, add kitty litter, let it dry out and simply throw it away. You can also take old paint to stores participating in the statewide PaintCare program. Go to PaintCare.org for more information.
Protect your pipes
Clogged pipes result in expensive and disgusting sewer backups that can flood your home or business. What is rinsed down the drain or thrown in the toilet often cause these backups.
To help protect your pipes:
• Do not flush wipes of any kind down the toilet. Even if it says “flushable,” they will not break down and can damage pipes.
• Do not use the toilet as a trashcan, which includes kitty litter, sanitary items, dental floss and other trash.
• Pour used cooking oil or grease into a container, seal it and throw it away.
• Scrape food into the garbage can and wipe off grease or oil with a paper towel.