Residents remove 35 tonnes of chemicals from homes

CARDINIA residents have detoxed their homes and diverted more than 35 tonnes of potentially harmful chemicals from landfill through Sustainability Victoria’s recent toxic waste collection.
Sustainability Victoria’s chief executive Geoff Mabbett said the community’s response to the collection day was excellent and that the collection had ensured that dangerous materials being stored in local homes have been sorted, treated, recycled or disposed of appropriately.
Mr Mabbett said residents are doing themselves, their council and the environment a great service by participating in the chemical collection days.
“The safe disposal of these products protects our homes and prevents the chemicals from being dumped into our environment.
“Careless disposal of unwanted chemicals can cause pollution of waterways, land and storm water drains. Relatively small amounts of some chemicals can also be harmful to humans and animals and certain chemicals may pose a potential fire hazard,” he said.
After collection, the materials are immediately sorted according to their chemical properties.
The total amount of household chemicals dropped off at Sustainability Victoria’s collections since 1994 is now more than 3.7 million kilograms.
Residents can call 1800 35 32 33 (tollfree) for more information on Sustainability Victoria’s Detox Your Home chemical collection schedule.