Tidying up toxic troubles across northern Tasmania
A series of free household hazardous waste collections are taking place across northern Tasmania this May to help residents safely dispose of everyday chemicals around the home.
The initiative is a collaboration between seven local councils, the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board, and the recently rebranded Circular North.
Circular North Steering Committee Chair Shane Power said many chemicals used in and around the home such as cleaning solvents and garden and pool chemicals cannot be disposed of at waste transfer stations due to safety risks.
“It is dangerous to dispose of household hazardous waste in your general rubbish or recycling bin because these chemicals can cause fires in bins and garbage trucks, creating a safety hazard for truck drivers, the general community, and the environment,” Mr Power said.
This includes domestic chemicals that are flammable, toxic, explosive, or corrosive, such as bleach or other cleaning solvents, as well as garden and pool chemicals.
Mr Power said collections will take place at waste transfer stations in Launceston, Longford, Deloraine, Exeter, George Town, St Helens, and Scottsdale where residents will be able to dispose of items for free during designated collection times with the support of a qualified chemist, storage, and transport provider.
“Circular North and its council partners are helping to reduce waste that ends up in landfill by providing the opportunity for the correct disposal of these chemicals, through household hazardous waste collections.”
Operating since 2007, Circular North which was originally known as the Northern Tasmanian Waste Management Group, provides advice, funding, and education to northern Tasmanian communities, businesses, and local governments.
“The new name Circular North better reflects our proactive and sustainable approach to materials and resources by embracing principles of a circular economy,” Mr Power said.
More information about the household hazardous waste collections can be found online: Household Hazardous Waste Collection | NRM North
Circular North is supported by the Tasmanian Government, through the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board.