Four big Chemical CleanOut weekends in 2023 have seen Central Coast residents embrace positive waste management behaviours when it comes to disposing of hazardous items. This year seeing the biggest day, biggest weekend, and the biggest year in the event’s twenty-year history with over 6,340 vehicles responsibly disposing of over 265 tonnes of hazardous waste!

The Chemical CleanOut program is aimed at encouraging residents to clear out unwanted and out-of-date hazardous items from homes, garages, and sheds, to be correctly disposed for free at nominated Chemical CleanOut locations.

Council’s Unit Manager Waste and Resource Recovery, Andrew Pearce said the numbers recorded show us the community is invested in preventing environmental harm and the need to safely dispose of hazardous materials and should celebrate this incredible achievement.

“This year’s Chemical CleanOut disposal sites were located at Long Jetty Council Depot, Charmhaven Council Depot and Kincumber Waste Management Facility,” Mr Pearce said.

“The Kincumber site has raised the bar for the most successful Chemical CleanOut day and weekend ever, with over 1,150 residents on Saturday 5 August and over 2,000 residents responsibly disposing over 82 tonnes of waste across the whole weekend.

“All materials dropped off over the two weekends will now be safely disposed of by specialist contractors, and materials such as paint tins, lead acid batteries and motor oils will be recycled or reused!

“Everyone who participated in these events has contributed to not only helping to reduce pollution and keep hazardous materials out of our environment, but also contributed to the recovery of reusable materials and precious metals”.  

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said these events are one way we can support the community to reduce littering, avoid harmful substances going to landfill and strengthen positive environmental outcomes.

“The understanding and commitment from the community to responsibly and safely dispose of waste is evident with the constantly increasing support these events attract, it is a testament to our community in wanting to improve and protect our environment," Mr Hart said.

The Chemical CleanOut campaign is just one of the many resource recovery initiatives offered to residents by Council, beyond their household waste and recycling collection services.

This is a massive achievement and Council encourages more of the community to take part. Remember to keep hazardous items such as batteries out of the waste bins - One spark from an old battery can cause a rubbish truck or an entire recycling facility to catch fire. 
    
Discover how to safely dispose of many more items by checking the A-Z Waste Disposal and Recycling Guide at 1coast.com.au.

Household Chemical CleanOuts are held bi-annually, with the next scheduled event to be confirmed and promoted in early 2024.

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 Council.

Sign up to Council’s eNews at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or follow our social media accounts for updates on our reuse and recycling initiatives.

ENDS