Lake Mac holds free Chemical CleanOut for Hunter residents

Published on 11 May 2022

Smoke detectors, pool chemicals, pesticides and poisons are just some of the items that can be disposed of at this weekend’s Chemical CleanOut.

Hunter residents are encouraged to rid their homes of unwanted chemicals and household problem waste for free at a drive-thru event held at Rathmines Park on Sunday between 9am-3.30pm.

All materials are handled by the onsite staff so residents do not need to leave their vehicles ensuring this a COVID-safe event.

Lake Macquarie City Council’s Manager Waste Services Paul Collins said the Chemical CleanOut is an opportunity for residents to dispose of possibly hazardous materials safely and protect our environment.

“It is extremely important we don’t send unwanted chemicals down the drain or to landfill where they may poison our waterways and land,” Mr Collins said.

“We’re proud to divert about 80 tonnes of household problem waste from going to landfill through this biannual Chemical CleanOut each year.

“Many of the chemicals collected on the day can be recycled, while the rest are disposed in a safe way.”

The CleanOut is an opportunity for residents to dispose of paint, oils and aerosols at a time when they’re temporarily banned from Lake Macquarie’s Community Recycling Centre due to a recent fire at a chemical storage facility in Sydney.

Household quantities of problem waste such as motor oils, paint, poisons and batteries can be disposed free of charge.

Only household quantities of up to 20 litres or 20 kilograms are accepted, with the exception of paint where up to 100 litres is accepted.

To ensure materials are transported safely in your vehicle, it is recommended that containers filled with liquids are wrapped in newspaper and a plastic bag and then placed inside a bucket or tray away from other passengers.

Chemicals should be left in original containers, labelled and well-sealed.

For more information and a full list of accepted items, call the Environment Line on 131 555 or visit cleanout.com.au.

The event is funded by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and organised by Lake Macquarie City Council.

More information about Council’s event is at lakemac.com.au.

Chemical CleanOut:

When: Sunday 15 May 2022
Time: 9am-3.30pm
Where: Rathmines Park, Dorrington Road, Rathmines