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On July 19, Raymond, Casco, Naples, Otisfield, and Frye Island residents will participate in a household hazardous waste collection program from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jordan-Small school, Route 85, Raymond.

Participation in last fall's program was good, but the timing was not favorable for many seasonal residents of participating towns. Planners hope the midsummer date will encourage a large turnout of summer residents and camp owners because, as Nathan Poore, Raymond's town manager, puts it, "Chances are a lot of those cottages and summer homes have worksheds or cabinets where they have stored old paints, thinners, and other items they want an opportunity to get rid of. Now they have the opportunity to dispose of those hazardous wastes, and at a very reasonable cost. This is the one day they can take care of all that waste and feel good about dealing with it in a responsible manner."

Pouring hazardous wastes down the drain or putting them out with the trash virtually assures they'll find their way into the groundwater, then into streams and lakes and drinking water. Because the Lakes Region's economy and quality of life are entirely dependent on clean, healthy water, the program was developed out of a need to provide a responsible means of keeping household hazardous wastes from getting into the watershed.

And the program is expanding. Last year Casco, Raymond, and Naples participated, this year Otisfield and Frye Island have joined, and next year Gray and all of Standish may be added.

No state or federal funds are provided for this program. The towns contract with a private hazardous waste collection company (Seacoast Ocean Services Inc., in this case), which charges $40.00 per 10 gallons of hazardous waste collected. Each participating town subsidizes half the projected cost: If a resident brings in 10 gallons of hazardous waste for disposal, he pays $20.00, the town pays $20.00; for five gallons, each pay $10.00

Pre-registration is strongly recommended. The towns have stayed within their subsidy budgets the past two years, but if turnout is high and subsidy budgets are depleted, those not pre-registered may be charged the full cost ($40.00 per 10 gallons). Residents should pre-register and/or get further information by contacting their respective town offices.

Last year's most commonly disposed of wastes were oil based paints, paint thinners, pesticides, aerosol cans, and adhesives, but a long list of items (lists are available at participating town offices) includes cleaners, waxes, automotive fluids, and more.

Some items not acceptable are tires, latex paints, explosives, auto batteries, and medicines. Questions about specific item should be directed to your town office.

Some words of caution when dealing with household hazardous wastes: Never mix them together, handle them with care, and be sure they are secure when transporting them.