EVENTS: Hazardous waste collection days scheduled

Waste to be accepted in Kennebec and Somerset counties

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, based in Fairfield, plans to host Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days in October in Kennebec and Somerset counties.

Skowhegan, Anson, and Madison will collect from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct.ober 5, at the Skowhegan Transfer Station, 29 Transfer Station Drive. This is open to residents of those towns, who must call their own town office to schedule a time slot (Skowhegan, 207-612-2002; Anson, 207-696-3979; Madison, 207-696-3971).

Pittsfield, Canaan, Palmyra will collect from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, October 5, at the Pittsfield Transfer/Recycling Station, at Peltoma Avenue. Residents must call their town office to schedule a slot (Pittsfield, 207-487-3136; Canaan, 207-474-8682; Palmyra, 207-938-4871).

Winslow, Albion, Belgrade, Benton, Clinton, Fairfield, Oakland and Waterville will collect from 8 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, October 19, at Winslow Public Works, 135 Halifax St. Residents must call their municipal office to schedule a slot (Winslow, 207-872-2776; Belgrade, 207-592-0678; Clinton, 207-426-8322; Fairfield, 207- 453-7911; Oakland, 207-465-7357; Waterville, 207-680-4744).

Those who don’t have an appointment slot made with their town will not be able to drop off that day.

Many chemicals commonly used around the home are hazardous, either alone or when combined with other chemicals, and need to be disposed of by professionals trained to handle hazardous materials,

Improper disposal of these materials can disrupt the function of sewage treatment plants or private septic systems, contaminate ground water, and harm animals and residents. Items that are difficult to recycle or dispose of – such as electronic waste, batteries, paint, anti-freeze, chemical cleaners, yard chemicals, old fuels, oils and mercury thermostats – many of which can also become harmful if left unmonitored.

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments will have local law enforcement officials on hand in Winslow and Skowhegan to collect and properly dispose of any pharmaceuticals that residents want to bring in.