Hazardous waste collection events in eight towns in the Lakes Region during the past few weeks have gathered nearly 19,000 toxic chemicals.

According to the Meredith-based Lakes Region Planning Commission, which has coordinated household hazardous waste collections for the past 25 years, more than 1,750 households participated this summer.

This year, 24 towns pooled their resources and with a small grant from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services provided residents with an opportunity to rid their homes of toxic and hazardous waste. Those materials include oil-based paints, household cleaners, automotive fluids, pool chemicals and lawn and garden products.

Attendants at the collection sites distributed free copies of a flipbook, “Alternatives to Household Hazardous Waste,” designed by the planning commission and printed with a special grant from New Hampshire's DES. Residents are encouraged to learn more about how to reduce the use of hazardous household products by visiting the commission's website, lakesrpc.org/services_hhw.asp.

Five dozen volunteers and municipal employees helped at the events by conducting surveys, controlling traffic and unloading unused motor oil.

Residents with household hazardous waste to unload can participate in upcoming collections in Wolfeboro. The Lakes Region household hazardous waste product facility in Wolfeboro will host collections on Aug. 18, Sept. 15, and Oct. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Call 569-5826 or 651-7530 for details.