Central Coast residents have done it again, with the most recent Household Chemical CleanOut events for the region boasting a record-breaking 131,674 kilograms of items collected.

In total 3210 vehicles, the second highest recorded, passed through the gates over the four days of the bi-annual event hosted by Central Coast Council in conjunction with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Council Waste Services and Business Development Unit Manager, Andrew Peace thanked the community for their commitment to responsibly disposing of these volatile chemicals.

“Materials collected will now be safely disposed of by the EPA contractor, with items such as paint tins, lead acid batteries and motor oils being recycled or reused,” Mr Pearce said.

“Paints were once again the most common item accounting for around 60 percent of materials with more than 81 tonnes dropped off.”

“We do accept a large number of items for free at Council’s Facilities that cannot be placed in household bins, including car, marine and household batteries, fluorescent lights, electronic waste and up to 20litres of motor oil.

“If you are unsure of whether something can be placed in your household bins or taken to our Facilities, please contact Council’s or the 1Coast Customer Service Teams.”

Mayor Jane Smith said the results clearly showed residents’ commitment to protecting the natural environment on the Coast.

“Disposing of household chemicals safely greatly reduces the risk of hazardous chemicals contaminating our waterway and soils, while keeping our local environment pristine for years to come,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council is committed to helping reduce the amount of waste we create, minimising the impact of waste on the environment, cut greenhouse gas emissions and leave our environment in a better condition for future generations.

“To achieve that we are developing the first ever comprehensive Waste Strategy for the Coast – in consultation with our community, which will seek to inspire change and shape the way waste and resource recovery is delivered and managed across the Central Coast.”

Chemical CleanOut events are part of the NSW Environment Protection Authority ‘Waste Less, Recycle More’ initiative funded from the waste levy.

ENDS