Central Coast Council has relocated the southern Chemical CleanOut event from Gosford Showground to the Mount Penang Gardens Event Park, Kariong with the northern location remaining at Long Jetty Depot.

Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new location offered logistical ease for the community as well as additional capacity onsite, which is fantastic news given the last event recorded the heaviest amount of chemicals collected on record.

“The Chemical CleanOut event will be held at Mount Penang Gardens Event Park, Kangoo Road, Kariong on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 February 9am-3.30pm,” Mr Bolgoff said.

“Council’s Long Jetty Depot, will host a second weekend of the Chemical CleanOut event on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March from 9am-3.30pm.”

“Items accepted as part of the Chemical CleanOut include car and household batteries, batteries, smoke detectors, pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers as well as fluorescent globes and tubes.”

Mayor Jane Smith encouraged residents to use this opportunity to clear their properties of any unwanted or out of date chemicals in order to correctly dispose of hazardous items from around the home, garage or shed.

“A recent waste audit showed that paints and motor oils are still being found in our domestic waste and recycling streams which is a concern,” Mayor Smith said.

“Many may not be aware that putting these chemicals in your garbage bin, pouring it on turf or down drains can contaminate our landfill sites and waterways, causing serious environmental effects.

“Disposing of chemicals responsibly through this free collection will ensure your home is safer and you will also be doing your bit to help protect the local environment we all love.”

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.

Chemical CleanOut events are 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.