Free disposal of problem waste

Published on 15 April 2021

Residents are encouraged to begin sorting their unwanted chemicals for disposal ahead of next month's Household Chemical CleanOut.

The CleanOut will be held at the city's Waste Facility from 8am-4pm on May 29, and will allow residents to dispose up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms of household chemical waste for free.

Council's Manager Sustainability, Waste and Works, Kathy Graham, said the CleanOut provided an ideal opportunity to get rid of problem waste for free.

"We generally get a good response to this event, a lot of people have problem waste building up in their yard or shed that they're keen to get rid of," said Ms Graham.

"Some of these wastes can incur a fee when deposited at the Waste Facility, so I'd encourage everyone to prepare their problem wastes and have them ready for free disposal on May 29."

The Household Chemical CleanOut is conducted by Council and NetWaste and is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency's Waste Less Recycle More (WLRM) program.

Locals can dispose up to 20 litres or 20 kilograms of each of these items on the day:

• Solvents and household cleaners

• Floor care products

• Ammonia-based cleaners

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Poisons

• Pool chemicals

• Hobby chemicals

• Motor fuels

• Fluorescent globes and tubes

• Acids and alkalis

• Smoke detectors

• Paint and paint-related products

• Gas bottles

• Fire extinguishers

• Car and household batteries

• Motor oils and cooking oils

• Please note that business-related and commercial quantities of chemicals are not accepted.

Tips for storing and transporting unwanted chemicals:

• Handle and transport chemicals carefully.

• Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions.

• Wherever possible keep all chemicals in their original containers.

• Ensure containers are clearly labelled and well-sealed. If you do not know the contents, label the container 'unknown chemical'.

• Liquid can leak during transport: wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper, place in sturdy plastic bags and then in plastic buckets or trays.

• Keep household chemicals away from passengers, for example, by placing them in the boot of your car.