New dates have been set for a chemical cleanout event in Long Jetty after it was cancelled earlier in the year due to severe weather conditions.
There will also be an additional two cleanouts in August; one at Charmhaven and the other at Kariong.
Residents are again encouraged to clear out unwanted and out-of-date hazardous items from homes, garages and sheds to be correctly disposed of for free at the chemical cleanout events.
Community members can safely drop off their chemicals for free between 9am to 3.30pm daily on the following dates:
Long Jetty Council Depot, Morris Pl, Bateau Bay on Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12; Event Park, Kariong, located off Kangoo Rd, on Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7; and Charmhaven Council Depot, Chelmsford Rd, Charmhaven on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14.
Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce, said that due to the ongoing severe weather earlier this year, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) made the necessary decision to reschedule the chemical cleanout event in Long Jetty.
“The community’s safety was at the forefront of the decision to postpone the cleanout event at Long Jetty, with the NSW EPA diverting resources to affected areas across NSW during this challenging time,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming community members back to these free events … which allow residents to dispose of hazardous materials safely and for the recovery of reusable materials.
“We expect this to be of particular interest to those residents that have experienced household build-up of these items during the pandemic and also recent flooding events.
Pearce said that incorrect disposal of chemicals, such as dumping, placing in bins or pouring down drains, were not only offences that attract fines and penalties, but can also contaminate our waterways and landfill sites.
“This is just one of the many resource recovery initiatives offered to residents beyond their household waste and recycling collection services, which the community can discover more about by checking the A-Z Waste Disposal and Recycling Guide online at 1Coast.com.au,” Pearce said.
Items that can be dropped off include pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, fluorescent globes and tubes as well as any unknown or identified chemicals which are accepted for identification and correct disposal.
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said he continued to be impressed by the ongoing commitment from the community to responsibly dispose of problem waste.
“In previous years, cleanout events across the region have continued to attract consistent, record-breaking numbers, so it’s great to see these events still taking place this year for the community to attend,” he said.
“With growing interest in the event, it is clear that residents are eager to do the right thing and keep these hazardous materials out of landfills, which Council is determined to support.”
Up to 100 litres of paint can be accepted per vehicle, in containers of 20 litres or less.
For all other items, only household quantities of up to 20 litres or 20kg are accepted.
Council urges residents to transport material safely, keep chemicals in the original container and remain in their vehicles when dropping off hazardous waste.
For the full list of chemicals that can be dropped off call 131 555 or visit the NSW Environment Protection Authority website.
The Household Chemical CleanOut Program is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded by the waste levy, brought to you by the NSW Environment Protection Authority, Paintback and Central Coast.
Source:
Media release, May 23
Central Coast Council