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

Skowhegan, Canaan and Madison will collect from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 1, 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, 207-474-6902; Canaan, 207-474-8682; Madison, 207-696-3971).

Pittsfield and Palmyra will collect from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Pittsfield Transfer/Recycling Station at Peltoma Avenue. Residents must call their town office to schedule a slot (Pittsfield, 207-487-3136; Palmyra, 207-938-4871).

Winslow, Waterville, Belgrade and Oakland will collect from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 15, at Winslow Public Works, 135 Halifax St. Residents must call their municipal office to schedule a slot (Winslow, 207-872-2776; Waterville, 207-680-4200, Belgrade, 207-495-2258; Oakland, 207-465-7357).

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, according to a KVCOG news release.

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, paint, old fuels and mercury thermostats — can also become harmful if left unmonitored.

The council will have local law enforcement officials on hand that day to collect and properly dispose of any pharmaceuticals that residents want to bring in.

Check out other upcoming area events!