Lakes Region household hazardous waste collections to be held July 31 and August 7

MEREDITH — Lakes Region hazardous waste collections will be held at eight locations either on Saturday July 31 or Saturday, August 7.

Residents are encouraged to bring hazardous household products to Belmont, Franklin, Gilford, and Meredith sites from 8:30 a.m. — noon on July 31 and to Bristol, Center Ossipee, Laconia, and Moultonborough sites from 8:30 a.m. – noon on August 7.

This year, the Gilford Police Department will be collecting unwanted medications in their original containers. They should be brought to the Public Works garage on July 31. Additionally, there will be a swap table at the Laconia event on August 7 where residents may find reusable paints, stains, and cleaners.

To be assured of disposal, residents are encouraged to come to the event early. In the rare case that a site’s maximum disposal capacity is reached, the gates may be closed before noon.

Hazardous materials that will be accepted include oil-based paints, most household cleaners, transmission fluids, pool chemicals, and lawn and garden products. If unsure, look for the words “poison”, “danger”, “warning”, and “caution”. Items that will not be accepted include latex paints, propane tanks, tires, ammunition, and alkaline batteries. Check your local transfer station for proper disposal of these items.

While it is important to properly dispose of hazardous materials, the Lakes Region Planning Commission also encourages the use of safer alternatives and more conscientious purchasing. For more information as well as a comprehensive list of acceptable and non-acceptable items and maps showing the locations of the collection sites, call the Commission at 279-8171 or visit: www.lakesrpc.org/services_hhw.asp.