Free hazardous waste collections across the region
Following an impressive haul of nearly 3 tonnes of household hazardous waste in May, Circular North is rallying the community for another round.
To help northern Tasmanians dispose of everyday chemicals around the home, another series of free collection events are taking place across the region this October and November.
Circular North Steering Committee Chair Shane Power said common household products like cleaning agents, pool treatments, and gardening chemicals contain substances that can be volatile or toxic, which makes placing these in regular rubbish or recycling bins extremely dangerous.
“The reactive nature of these chemicals can lead to fires or toxic fumes in collection vehicles and at waste transfer stations, endangering workers, residents, and the environment,” Mr Power said.
Even small amounts of improperly discarded hazardous waste can contaminate large volumes of otherwise recyclable materials, which is why residents are being urged to take part in these free collections guided by a qualified chemist, storage, and transport provider.
Mr Power said the average home stores many chemicals that are flammable, toxic, explosive, or corrosive, including everyday household items such as bleach or other cleaning solvents, gardening, and pool chemicals.
“Our collections earlier this year facilitated the disposal of more than a tonne of toxic substances such as herbicides, 870 kg of flammable liquids, and 154 kg of corrosive substances including acids and alkalis,” Mr Power said.
“These efforts are a testament to our community’s commitment to a cleaner and healthier world, but we would like to aim higher and collect even more household hazardous waste this time. During this series of collections, Circular North is also facilitating a vape disposal pilot program. Once collected the vapes will be dismantled, the batteries will be sent for recycling while the toxic component will be disposed of safely.”
The initiative is a collaboration between eight local councils, the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board, and Circular North.
To take part, residents should package their waste safely and visit one of the participating waste transfer stations at its designated collection time. More information about the household hazardous waste collections, including dates and collection locations can be found at circularnorth.org.au
Circular North is supported by the Tasmanian Government, through the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board.