CONEJOS COUNTY — On Friday, September 28th and Saturday, September 29th, Conejos County youth and partners will be offering two FREE “Put Waste in its Place” Collection Days to celebrate National Public Lands Day. Items may be dropped off on Friday, September 28 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 201 Main Street (next to the library) in Antonito and on Saturday, September 29 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the District 2 County Shop located at 17575 County Road P in Manassa.

Items that will be accepted FREE of charge are: Batteries (including car, lithium and rechargeable), used motor oils  in 2.5 gallon jugs or smaller, household trash, dry paint, construction and demolition debris, large and small furniture items, small appliances, twine and electronics.

Items that will NOT be accepted are: tires, yard waste, hazmat, bio-waste (including sharps), human waste, wet paint, medications or animal carcasses. 

Public Lands Day celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and general health. Volunteers work to improve the health of public lands, parks and historic sites. This year is the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day as well as the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System and National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.

This collaborative effort is headed by the Bureau of Land Management and supported by the youth of Conejos County and partners: Conejos Clean Water, Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, the Town of Antonito, South Conejos School District, Centauri High School National Honor Society/Centauri High School Warriors, and Conejos County. The Bureau of Land Management’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Youth volunteers will be putting in long hours this weekend to collect and properly dispose of community waste in order to eliminate illegal dumping on public lands and to preserve the beauty of their homes and surrounding lands for generations to come. Volunteering helps young men and women develop skills in leadership, communication, working as a team and problem solving. They are also establishing a pattern of hard work and selflessness that builds a good work ethic and self esteem.

So come celebrate National Public Lands Day with Conejos County Youth and partners to “Put Waste In Its Place”! For more information contact Anna Lee Vargas at [email protected] or call (719) 580-0740.