Central Coast Council is again encouraging the community to locate any unwanted or out of date chemicals lurking around the home so they can be correctly disposed of at the next Chemical CleanOut.

Residents will be able to drop off household chemicals over two consecutive weekends between 9am and 3.30pm at Gosford Showground on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August and Council’s Charmhaven Depot on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August.

Council Mayor Jane Smith said the community’s consistent response to chemical collections showed residents are truly committed to disposing of waste responsibly.

“These events allow residents to not only get hazardous materials out of harm’s way, but also do their bit for the environment,” Mayor Smith said.

“Putting chemicals in your garbage bin or even pouring small amounts over the ground or down drains can cause serious environmental effects by contaminating our waterways and landfill sites.

“Keeping old chemicals in the garage, shed or under the sink can also increase the risk of poisoning at home.

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

“Make sure you also bring any unknown or unidentified chemicals as they will be accepted for identification and correct disposal.”

Materials such as pool chemicals, car batteries, acids and alkalis, solvents, pesticides, chemical cleaners, motor oils, herbicides, paints, hobby chemicals, gas bottles, fire extinguishers and household cleaners can all be dropped off.

Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said this was one of the many recycling initiatives offered to residents for items not suitable for disposal through Council’s kerbside collection service.

“For recycling options for other materials residents are encourage to check our website or call our customer service team,” Mr Bolgoff said.

Only household quantities are accepted. A 20 litre or 20 kilogram maximum container size per item applies. Council urges residents to transport material safely, in its original container, and to remain in the vehicle at the collection site.

This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

Visit cleanout.com.au or call 131 555 for a full list of chemicals that can be dropped off.