Central Coast Council is hosting a Chemical CleanOut this weekend to give the community the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted, out-of-date or unused household chemicals.

Residents can drop off chemicals for free at the Charmhaven Depot, 137 Chelmsford Road (enter via Depot Road) between 9am and 3.30pm on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August.

Council’s Waste Coordinator, Mr Matthew Collins, said many common household chemicals can cause harm if they aren’t disposed of properly.

“Keeping old chemicals in the shed or under the sink can increase the risk of poisoning around the home, while putting chemicals in your garbage bin or even pouring small amounts on to the ground or down drains, which is illegal, can pollute the environment and may cause harm to human health, plants and animals,” Mr Collins said.

Materials which will be accepted include paint, pesticides and herbicides, poisons, solvents and chemical cleaners, motor oils, fuels and fluids, batteries, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, pool chemicals, acids and alkalis, hobby chemicals, and florescent tubes.

A full list of the materials that can be dropped off can be found at www.cleanout.com.au or by calling 131 555.

This is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.