Colorado Springs, Colo. – Illegal trash dumping continues to plague neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, leaving behind unsightly and hazardous waste that is not only a nuisance but also a threat to the environment. In recent months, local residents have reported instances of hazardous materials, motor oil, spray paint, mattresses, and even dead animals being discarded improperly. The issue, which was first highlighted by News5 in March, has raised concerns about both the cost of proper disposal and the environmental impact of illegal dumping.
One of the most troubling sites reported was in the Midway Community, where large quantities of trash, including hazardous substances, were left in an open area. Abigayle Austin, a resident who lives less than a mile from the dumping site, expressed frustration over the cost of legal disposal. “People hear that outrageous price… It’s about $60 to dump a mattress,” Austin said, suggesting that many residents opt for illegal dumping as a cheaper alternative.
However, El Paso County offers a solution. The county’s Division of Environmental Services provides a free, year-round disposal service for household waste, including hazardous materials such as spray paint, motor oil, cleaners, and anything marked with a hazardous symbol. The service is available to all residents of El Paso County, aiming to reduce the amount of trash that ends up in ditches, roads, and open spaces.
Kathy Andrew, Environmental Division Manager with El Paso County, emphasized the importance of the program in protecting the community’s environment. “We certainly don’t want any of these chemicals slipping into the groundwater over time,” she said. The county’s efforts to promote proper disposal have already led to a significant reduction in waste sent to landfills and illegal dumping sites. In 2024, El Paso County diverted over 128 tons of paper, cardboard, and aluminum, 115 tons of consumer electronics, and 64 tons of flammable materials, among other waste types. In addition, more than 77,000 gallons of household paint, 16,000 gallons of used motor oil, and 36,000 cubic yards of organic material were properly disposed of.
Despite these efforts, the challenge of combating illegal dumping remains. The costs of certain items, such as mattresses, may still deter some residents from using the free services. Moreover, the facility’s restrictions on what it can accept, as well as the need for appointments for some waste types, could be additional barriers for people looking for a quick disposal solution.
The goal of the county’s environmental services is clear: to ensure that no waste, especially hazardous materials, ends up polluting the local environment. However, experts agree that more needs to be done to address the root causes of illegal dumping, particularly through increased public education on the availability and benefits of the free disposal services.
El Paso County’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility remains an essential resource for residents looking to responsibly dispose of hazardous materials and other waste. For more information on the services offered, including scheduling appointments for disposal, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s website.
As the battle against illegal dumping continues, local officials hope that more people will take advantage of the free disposal programs to protect the community and the environment for future generations.
