New households drop off unwanted chemicals

Pesticides, oil and propane gas cylinders were among 24 tonnes of unwanted hazardous materials collected at Newcastle's latest Household Chemical Clean Out.

Among the nasty chemicals spared from landfill and waterways in 650 individual drop-offs were 15 tonnes of paint products, plus aerosols and lead acid from batteries.

As the free, twice yearly event continues to gain exposure, 341 people attended last Saturday's event for the first time to rid their homes of dangerous chemicals at Tighes Hill TAFE's student carpark.

Chemical-handling experts ensured no spillages and that everything was safely handled, stored and properly disposed of.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes congratulated residents for taking advantage of the free service.

“I am thrilled to see more and more first timers getting rid of unwanted chemicals by taking advantage of this free clean out day,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We want to grow this event in the public's mind because it will become more and more important to protecting the environment as the city's population grows. It's also a great way to protect family members and neighbours from abandoned and unwanted chemicals.”

Since 2003, Newcastle's Household Chemical Clean Outs have safely removed more than 440 tonnes of chemicals from Newcastle garages and homes.

The next event is scheduled for Saturday 18 November 2017. For more information visit www.cleanout.com.au

The Household Clean Outs are a NSW EPA Waste Less Recycle More Initiative funded from the waste levy.