Waste day results in 7.5 tonnes of collections

The numbers are in from the recent Hazardous Waste Collection Day held in Margaret River on Saturday 10 April 2021, with more than 4 tonnes of household hazardous waste and nearly 3.5 tonnes of e-waste dropped off by 320 local residents. The main types of household waste collected included paint, gas cylinders, pesticides, household chemicals and batteries. The e-waste collected varied from solar panels and electric scooters to VHS players, electric toys and everything in between. Shire of Augusta Margaret River Waste Services Manager Chris Yates said the collection day was intended to provide locals with a safe and accessible way of disposing of potentially harmful items. “Household hazardous waste refers to the products used in and around the home that are flammable, toxic, explosive or corrosive, which can pose a threat to human health and the environment if not disposed of correctly,” he said. “We are pleased so many people took up this offer to dispose of those unwanted items for free. “Feedback by the community has been overwhelming positive and people enjoyed friendly customer services with an easy and seamless drop off experience.”   The majority of the collected materials will be recycled, recovered or re-used in Australia, diverting them from landfill. This event was made possible with funding from the Government of Western Australia which is administered by the Waste Authority and through the New Industries Fund which is managed by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Any residents who missed the days and still have televisions and computers to dispose of can take these to the Davis Road Waste Management and Recycling Facility daily between 8am-4pm.