New drop-off locations for household chemicals

MEDIA RELEASE

Four new and conveniently located metropolitan Community Chemical and Paint Drop-off Centres are now open for the public to dispose of unwanted household chemicals and paints free of charge.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs today officially launched the new and drop-off centres located at Campbelltown, Heathfield, North Plympton and Edinburgh North.

The State Government has contributed more than $1 million to opening the centres with local partners set to operate the facilities.

Until now, householders could only access a depot at Dry Creek which only opened on the first Tuesday morning of each month for three hours. Periodic collection services will continue to be held in major regional centres.

Minister Speirs said the new drop-off centres would help make it easier for South Australians to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals.

“Many people just don’t realise the damage that can be caused by these chemicals if handled or disposed of incorrectly,” said Minister Speirs.

“The new facilities make it significantly easier for South Australian households to safely dispose of these chemicals and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this free service.

“Apart from the threat to our waterways and surrounding environments if flushed into our sewerage and drain systems, storing unused hazardous chemicals at home or in the garden shed can be potentially lethal if not handled properly and can be particularly dangerous to young children who cannot yet read warning labels.

“With spring-cleaning on people’s minds, everyone is urged to use the new free drop-off centres and not risk storing unwanted chemicals and paints at home or in the garden shed.

“It is important to note that there are some items and substances which cannot be accepted by the new facilities such as ammunition, asbestos, tyres, fertiliser and pharmaceuticals.”

Member for Hartley Vincent Tarzia said the new Campbelltown facility is a win for the local community.

“Before this facility opened local residents had to travel up to half an hour to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals,” said Mr Tarzia.

“To have a local facility open Monday to Friday will be of great benefit to our community who can now easily dispose of potentially dangerous chemicals free of charge.”

Trained workers will unload unwanted chemicals and dispose of them in an environmentally safe way.

Residents are reminded to keep chemicals in their original containers where possible and ensure they are clearly labelled and well-sealed.

It is also best to place open or leaking containers in a plastic rubbish bin or bucket, and transport them in the boot of the car or a trailer making it safer for the driver and to also assist in worker safety at the depots.

The new facilities are located at:

• Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre, 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton
  Monday – Friday 7am - 4pm, Sat. 8-3pm, Sun. 10-3pm
• Campbelltown City Council works depot, 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown
  Monday – Friday 8am – 3pm (closed weekends)
• Heathfield Resource Recovery Facility, 32 Scott Creek Road, Heathfield
  Monday – Friday 7.30am – 4pm, Sat. and Sun. 9am – 4pm
• Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority (NAWMA) Recourse Recovery Facility, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North
  Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm, Sat. and Sun. 9am – 3pm

Chemicals Accepted

• Acids and alkalis
• Brake fluids and coolants
• Cleaning products
• Gardening chemicals (including insecticides, rodenticides, herbicides)
• Liquid paint (up to 100 litres)
• Other household chemicals
• Photographic chemicals
• Pool chemicals
• Solvents (including paint thinners, turpentine)
• Varnishes and stains.

Chemicals Not Accepted

• Ammunition or explosives – contact SA Police on 131 444
• Asbestos and tyres – contact the EPA on 8204 2004
• Fertiliser – use or donate to your local community garden
• Pharmaceuticals – take to your pharmacy or Doctor, see returnmed.com.au for locations
• Household smoke detectors – place in your waste bin

More information is available at greenindustries.sa.gov.au or the Which Bin information telephone hotline on 1300 137 118.