Central Coast Council is hosting another Chemical Cleanout event on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 of September at Gosford Showground, following a successful event held at Charmhaven in August.

Almost 1400 residents used the opportunity to dispose of over 63 tonnes of chemicals at Council’s Charmhaven Depot – representing a 40% increase on last year’s event.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said household Chemical Cleanout events are a free service for the safe disposal of a range of common household chemicals, many of which could cause harm if not disposed of correctly.

“Keeping old chemicals can increase the risk of poisoning around the home.  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 Reynolds said.

“The upcoming Chemical Cleanout drop-off allows Council the opportunity to work with the local community in assisting householders tackle the problem of household chemical waste.”

“I would encourage local residents to have a good look around their house, shed and garage and bring in chemicals to ensure safe disposal of these potentially hazardous materials.

“It is important to note that even unknown or unidentified chemicals will be accepted for identification and correct disposal.”

“By taking responsibility for the safe disposal of these materials, Central Coast residents are helping to preserve our environment.”

“Coast residents have always supported this event as evidenced by the almost 1400 residents who went to our Charmhaven Depot and dropped off over 63 tonnes of materials that may have otherwise ended up causing harm to humans or the environment.”

“I encourage residents who couldn’t make it to Charmhaven to check out their garages, sheds and even under the kitchen sink and dispose of any out-dated or unwanted chemicals appropriately.”

Materials such as pool chemicals, car batteries, acids and alkalis, solvents, pesticides, chemical cleaners, motor oils, herbicides, paints, hobby chemicals, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, fluorescent lights and household cleaners can be dropped off during the event.  Only household quantities can be accepted, up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms container size.

Residents are encouraged to transport materials carefully, in their original container, and remain in their vehicle at the collection site at the Gosford Showground.  Chemicals can be dropped off between 9am and 3.30pm on either Saturday 16 or Sunday 17 September at the Gosford Showground carpark.

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

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