How to deal with hazardous waste
The Hazardous waste….together we’ve got it sorted campaign is rolling out in 2021.
Incorrect disposal of any hazardous waste can cause a real problem to our community’s health and the environment.
Did you know: In 2012, pesticide got into a stormwater drain and flowed into a creek. This lead to the death of over 1,000 crayfish.
No hazardous waste should ever be disposed of in your household bins (waste, recycling or organic), down the drain or into the soil. Council provides safe, convenient and low cost options to dispose of hazardous waste - there’s no excuse for doing the wrong thing.
Council offers three main disposal methods for hazardous waste. The disposal options align with the three types of hazardous waste:
• Community Recycling Centres: These are available to dispose of low toxicity hazardous materials
• Household Chemical Clean Out Events: On specified dates, high toxicity hazardous waste can be taken to the waste management facilities
• Asbestos Disposal: Bonded (non-friable) asbestos can be disposed of at Blaxland landfill site with prior booking and must comply with the terms and conditions for asbestos disposal.
If you are removing and disposing of any friable asbestos, or more than 10 m2 of bonded (non-friable) asbestos you must engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor.
The table, below, lists common hazardous materials and which disposal options are suitable:
Materials with this symbol can go to the Katoomba Community Recycling Centre (CRC) at Council’s Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility – for free, during opening hours. https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/waste-facilities
(Blaxland Community Recycling Centre is expected to open in March 2021)
Materials with this symbol can go to a Household Chemical Clean Event at both Blaxland and Katoomba. Please visit: https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/ewaste-and-chemicals to find out the next event dates
Materials with this symbol must be taken to Blaxland Waste Management Facility, you need to book in advance and agree to the terms and conditions. Find full details https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/waste-facilities
| ITEM | TOXICITY | WHERE TO DISPOSE |
|---|---|---|
| Acids and alkalis | High toxic | |
| Ammonia-based cleaners | High toxic | |
| Asbestos | Asbestos | |
| Car Batteries | Household Problem Waste | |
| Cleaning products | High toxic | |
| Engine and Other oils (including cooking oil) | Household Problem Waste | |
| Fire extinguishers | Household Problem Waste | |
| Floor care products | High toxic | |
| Fluorescent bulbs and tubes | Household Problem Waste | |
| Gas Bottles | Household Problem Waste | |
| Hobby chemicals | High toxic | |
| Household batteries | Household Problem Waste | |
| Household cleaners and solvents | High toxic | |
| Motor fuels and fluids | Household Problem Waste | |
| Paint related products (turpentine, paint thinners and strippers etc.) | Household Problem Waste | |
| Pesticides and herbicides | High toxic | |
| Poisons | High toxic | |
| Pool chemicals | High toxic | |
| Smoke detectors | Household Problem Waste | |
Note: Always keep chemicals in separated containers, never mix them. When transporting hazardous materials ensure they are safely and securely stored for transport.