FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Dumpster-bound items found a new home during Fort Carson's Earth Day Household Hazardous Waste Collection event April 22, hosted at the old commissary site parking lot.
More than 180 Fort Carson community members dropped off no-longer-needed hazardous materials and electronics to ensure items were disposed of in an earth-friendly manner on the day of the national observance.
Close to 16,000 pounds of waste were diverted from going to the landfill, moving Fort Carson one step closer to its Net Zero waste goal. Products such as cleaners, paints, motor oil and old TVs were collected. The following is a breakdown of pounds of pollution prevented:
--The 3,476 pounds of household chemicals brought in will be routed through the El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility to ensure proper disposal. Some products will be offered for reuse at the facility's Drop and Swap area.
--There were 5,385 pounds of electronic items, including old TVs and batteries collected. The installation sells old electronic items for a profit to fund the Fort Carson Recycle Program and contributes to installation morale, welfare and recreation funds.
--The 5,917 pounds of no-longer-needed latex paint was picked up by a Pueblo paint vendor, who mixes the paint for resale.
--The 854 pounds of used motor oil will be recycled for reuse.
For information about household hazardous waste items accepted from county residents at the El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 3275 Akers Drive, and the hours of operation, visit http://adm.elpasoco.com/EnvironmentalDivision/HouseholdHazardousWaste/Pages/default.aspx.
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