Central Coast Council is once again encouraging residents to clear any unwanted hazardous chemicals in homes, garages and sheds to be correctly disposed of at the next bi-annual Chemical CleanOut events.

The events will be held over two consecutive weekends on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February at the Event Park, Kariong (off Kangoo Road) and Saturday 29 February and Sunday 1 March at Long Jetty Depot, corner of The Entrance and Wyong Roads (turn left into Morris Place), 9am-3.30pm each day.

Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said for the first-time residents will be able to drop off up to 100 litres of paint.

“It is fantastic to see an increased amount of paint accepted as it is consistently the most collected item, often accounting for more than half of the total amount dropped off,” Mr Pearce said.

“All other materials continue to have a 20 litre or 20 kilogram maximum container size per item and paints must also be in containers of 20 litres or less for the health and safety of handlers.

“I would urge everyone to use this opportunity and have a good search around their property to ensure safe and responsible disposal of any potentially hazardous items.

“This includes any unknown or unidentified items as they will be accepted for identification and correct disposal.”

Other items accepted include car and household batteries, smoke detectors, pesticides, gas bottles and fire extinguishers as well as fluorescent globes and tubes.

Only household quantities are accepted. For a full list of chemicals that can be dropped off call 131 555 or visit cleanout.com.au

Council urges residents to transport material safely, in its original container, and to remain in the vehicle at the collection site.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the consistent response to previous Chemical CleanOut events shows our residents are truly committed to disposing of waste responsibly.

“Incorrect disposal can cause serious environmental effects polluting our region's waterways and could also attract penalties and fines,” Mayor Matthews said.

“These events are only one of an array of resource recovery initiatives Council offer, and I would encourage the community to check what recycling options beyond your yellow bin are available before placing items in their household waste bins.”

To make it easier for residents, Council in conjunction with Cleanaway have recently launched a new A-Z waste and recycling disposal guide which can be found at 1coast.com.au/education/a-z-waste-disposal-recycling-guide/.

The Household Chemical CleanOut program is brought to you by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and Paintback.