Take advantage of the free ‘Detox Your ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾’ on Sunday, December 6 and safely dispose of common, highly toxic household chemicals without harming your health or the environment – for free.
The household chemical collection program is coming to East Gippsland Livestock Exchange, Bairnsdale, from 8am to 1pm. East Gippsland Shire Council, in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, invites residents to take the opportunity to remove unwanted – and potentially dangerous and toxic household chemicals – items like pesticides, detergents, fuels and weed killers.
General Manager Assets and Environment Fiona Weigall said household chemicals can be potentially dangerous and can lead to a higher risk of poisoning.
“Toxic chemicals can harm your family and your pets, add extra fuel to a house fire, release toxic fumes and pollute the environment for future generations. Taking advantage of the free Detox Your ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ service is the best way to safely dispose of these unwanted items,” Ms Weigall said.
Residents are advised not to put chemicals out with the regular rubbish collection where they could explode, ignite, leak or mix with other chemicals. It is not recommended to pour them down the drain where they can pollute waterways, harming animals and vegetation, contaminating the drinking water supply and making rivers and beaches unsafe for swimming.
“The good news is you can reduce the risk of poisoning, environmental pollution and bushfire hazards, as well as improve recycling rates, by dropping off unwanted chemicals on December 6,” Ms Weigall said.
Residents can drop off the following items: acids and alkalis, aerosols, anti-freeze, brake fluid, car body filler, car wax, cleaners – ammonia based, cooking oil, coolant, detergents, disinfectants, drain cleaners, fertilizer, fire extinguishers, floor-care products and waxes, fuels – petrol, diesel, kerosene, water-based and solvent glues, herbicides, weed killers, insect spray/pesticides, nail polish and remover, oven cleaner, paint stripper, thinner and turps, pool chemicals, rat poison, solvents, transmission fluid, wood preservatives and finishes.
The following items are not accepted: asbestos, ammunition or firearms, car batteries, household batteries, chemicals used by businesses, farm chemicals, fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps, gas bottles, motor oil, and paint. Depending on the type of waste, these items can be deposited at landfills and/or transfer stations, in some cases free of charge (e.g. car batteries). Check the council website for what types of waste is accepted at the various locations through the shire.
