The most successful Household Chemical CleanOut event for the region was held over the first two weekends of August, with a record breaking 130 tonnes of chemicals dropped off.

In total 3104 vehicles, the second highest number on record, 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).

Mayor Jane Smith said this was a fantastic result and praised Central Coast residents for their commitment to responsibly disposing of hazardous waste.

“With the highest amount collected in the event’s eighteen year history, I am really pleased the message about correct disposal of chemicals is getting out there,” Mayor Smith said.

“Paints accounted for more than half of all chemicals, with over 75 tonnes dropped off - other popular items included oil and fuels, gas cylinders, lead acid batteries, automotive products and pesticides.

“Many of these highly volatile products can react with other chemicals presenting a danger not only to our Waste Management Facilities, but also staff and customers at these locations.

“Any materials dropped off over the two weekends will now be safely disposed of by the EPA contractor, and materials such as paint tins, lead acid batteries and motor oils will in fact be recycled or reused.

“So by taking part in these events residents are not only helping to reduce pollution and keep hazardous materials out of our landfills, but are proactively allowing for reusable materials and precious metals to be recovered.”

The next Chemical CleanOut events will be held next year on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 February at Gosford Showground and Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March at Council’s Long Jetty Depot, 1 Morris Place, corner of The Entrance and Wyong Roads, Bateau Bay.

Council Acting Senior Manager Business and Economic Development, Andrew Pearce, reminded residents there were other opportunities to drop off particular items year round.

“Our Waste Management Facilities accept car batteries and up to 20 litres of motor oil each visit, free of charge,” Mr Pearce said.

“We also accept LPG gas bottles of up to nine kilograms and fire extinguishers for a charge of $6 per bottle in addition to the mixed waste fee – residents are reminded gas bottles must be handled and stored separately and not mixed in any other waste.

“Recycling units are now also at our Wyong and Gosford administration buildings as well as across our library branches where the community can drop off household batteries, light globes as well as mobile phones and their accessories for free.”

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.

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