Denver

Denver is the most populous city in Colorado and has an elevation of exactly 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level. However, the city has high levels of particulate pollution and ranks 86th in long-term, and 32nd in 24-hour pollution. Experts say that Denver’s rising population, plus growing oil and gas operations, has been a significant contributor to the city’s pollution.

Because of this, homeowners in this city are increasingly aware of their impact on the environment, and solar panel systems are an instant solution to their sustainability concerns, which made Colorado the 10th biggest consumer of solar power in the United States.

However, Denver remains to recycle and compost only 22% of its waste, far behind the national average of 34%. Curbside recycling is available only to most single-family residents–not to multi-family properties or businesses–and only 6% of Denver residents have a composting collection service.

Denver’s air is deteriorating as well, with increased ozone and soot, pushing the city from 26th to 13th among most-polluted cities in the nation which already alarmed the American Lung Association. The city has been ranked as the 8th most polluted due to ozone contamination of air.

In addition to this, the air pollution problem surged even further due to 10 wildfires currently burning around our state, and an influx of 101,000 residents in just 12 months in 2015, air pollution is becoming a big concern in Colorado, even more so with asthmatic patients.

The Air Quality Control Commission, part of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, has been considering tighter requirements to reduce air pollution from oil and gas operations as well.

Established in 1993, the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) is the premier association for professionals working to reduce and manage household hazardous waste. A volunteer-run, non-profit organization, NAHMMA is committed to pollution prevention, product stewardship, and the safe and effective handling of hazardous wastes.

Many small businesses are likely to produce hazardous wastes that require disposal under state Health Department regulations. Anyone opening these types of companies (or others you may believe may be generating hazardous waste) should contact the Waste Management Division of the Department of Public Health & Environment to get the guidelines that they need to follow when it comes to handing wastes like this.

You can properly dispose of and recycle toxic products from your home with Denver’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program. Denver residents are eligible for one collection appointment per the calendar year. Please note a $15 co-payment is required from the resident for each appointment.

In addition, household hazardous waste must never be mixed with other products, as incompatible substances may react, ignite, or explode. Finally, always follow the disposal instructions on the label and take household hazardous waste to the local collection facility.

If you wish to reach the State Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Hazardous Materials & Waste Management Division, you can proceed to 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246-1530 or contact them at the following numbers: (303)692-3300 or (303)759-5355.