Hazardous chemicals laid to waste on free drop-off day
30 August 2021
The Riverview Recycling and Refuse Centre will open its doors to garage, kitchen and bathroom chemicals from 8am to 4pm on Sunday, 26 September, as council’s annual hazardous chemical drop-off day provides a free and safe dumping opportunity for residents.
The centre will accept up to 100 litres of paint per resident and up to 20 litres/kilograms of other waste types without charge.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding said best practice in waste management means supporting residents to recycle where possible and to always store waste safely.
“The annual drop-off is the best way to dispose of those unused chemicals that accumulate around the home or garden shed,” Mayor Harding said.
“We are encouraging residents to spend some time this weekend going through your bathroom, kitchen, garage or under the house and find any household hazardous waste such as pool chemicals, cleaning products, batteries, electronic waste and unwanted medicines.
“Often these items are not suitable to be disposed of in the wheelie bin because they are flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic to humans, plants or animals.
“We hold the hazardous chemicals drop off day every year for this reason – to give residents the opportunity to dispose waste safely.”
Residents are encouraged to keep different chemicals separate and in their original containers when preparing hazardous waste for transport, then to wrap containers in newspaper and place them in a sturdy plastic bag and plastic tray or bucket.
Domestic barbecue gas bottles and marine distress flares are on the approved items and chemicals list, alongside acids and alkalis, brake fluid and coolant, fuel, glue, grease, herbicides, paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, rust inhibitors, solvents and thinners, stains and varnish, and wood preservatives.
The standard disposal fee will apply for any waste items that are not hazardous chemicals brought on the day.
The drop-off day is only open to Ipswich residents, and proof of residency will be required.
Click here for more information.