THE recent Central Coast household chemical clean-out saw a record 131,674 kilograms of items collected.
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Some 3210 vehicles, the second highest number recorded, passed through the gates over the four days of the bi-annual event hosted by Central Coast Council with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Council waste services and business development manager, Andrew Peace, thanked the community for their commitment to responsibly disposing of these volatile chemicals.
"Materials collected will now be safely disposed of by the EPA contractor, with items such as paint tins, lead acid batteries and motor oils being recycled or reused," Mr Pearce said.
"Paints were once again the most common item accounting for around 60 percent of materials with more than 81 tonnes dropped off.
"We do accept a large number of items for free at council's facilities that cannot be placed in household bins, including car, marine and household batteries, fluorescent lights, electronic waste and up to 20 litres of motor oil."
Mr Pearce said if residents were unsure about whether something could be placed in their household bins or taken to a council facility, they should contact council or the 1Coast customer service team.
Mayor Jane Smith said the results showed residents' commitment to protecting the natural environment.
"Disposing of household chemicals safely greatly reduces the risk of hazardous chemicals contaminating our waterway and soils, while keeping our local environment pristine for years to come," Cr Smith said.
"Council is committed to helping reduce the amount of waste we create, minimising the impact of waste on the environment, cut greenhouse gas emissions and leave our environment in a better condition for future generations.
"To achieve that we are developing the first ever comprehensive waste strategy for the Coast - in consultation with our community, which will seek to inspire change and shape the way waste and resource recovery is delivered and managed across the Central Coast."
Chemical clean-out events are part of the NSW Environment Protection Authority 'Waste Less, Recycle More' initiative funded from the waste levy.
