More hazardous waste days planned

The Central Coast Waste Board is planning regular drop-off days for hazardous household chemicals after four successful days were held last month.

Regional project manager for the Board, Mr Greg James, said: "Over 450 people brought material to the drop off venues.

"We knew that there were quite a lot of nasty substances being stored in people's homes, but we were still amazed at the quantities we received over the four days.

"We received 2800 litres of used motor oil and 3.3 tonnes of paint over one weekend, together with a couple of hundred kilograms of poisons, oxidisers, corrosives and pesticides."

This illustrated to the board that this type of clean-up was long overdue.

Mr James said many residents commented on the need to continue with a regular drop-off service for hazardous materials.

The Board was also concerned with the manner in which some chemicals were stored, he said.

"We had people bringing in milk bottles filled with petrol, wine cask bladders filled with photographic chemicals, and champagne bottles containing acid. These were not clearly marked dangerous or hazardous.

"Household food containers should never be used for storing chemicals.

"This practice only heightens the risks of accidents in the home.