All chemicals stored in the household pose a potential risk to life and the environment, but old and unwanted chemicals around the household pose an unnecessary risk. Council is committed to assisting residents eliminate these unnecessary risks by providing advice and services allowing old and unwanted chemicals to be disposed safely.
Old and unwanted chemicals stored in the shed, laundry, bathroom and kitchen increase the risk of poisoning (especially where children are present), pose a threat to waterways, plants and animals when disposed off in gardens and drains and cause a significant risk to life and the environment when disposed off in an uncontrolled manner within landfills unlicensed to take them.
To eliminate the risks associated with old and unwanted chemicals so that it does not pose a risk to life and the environment, these chemicals should be treated and recycled by specialists so that they may be disposed of in a safe manner. The sort of household chemicals that should be treated and recycled so that they may be disposed of in a safe manner include:
- fuels;
- oils and engine fluids;
- paints – oil, solvent and water based;
- batteries;
- gardening chemicals;
- acids & alkalis (swimming pool chemicals);
- gas cylinders;
- cleaning products;
- other household products.
Items that are readily accepted at our local Refuse Disposal Facility in Wests Road, Werribee include:
- car batteries;
- car oil;
- gas cyclinders.
It is important that residents advise the landfill operator at the Refuse Disposal Facility of these items so that they can be separated from the general waste stream.
Wyndham City Council in partnership with Sustainability Victoria also hold free household chemical collection days. Click here for more information.
Chemicals that are not readily accepted at our local Refuse Disposal Facility can also be taken to companies that specialise in the treatment of waste chemical, for a nominated fee. These companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under “Waste Reduction and Disposal Services”. Chemsal is an example of one such company and is located at 83 Dohertys Road, Laverton. If you would like to take your chemicals to Chemsal, please call them first on 9369 4222 to arrange an appointment.
For more information about disposing of old and unwanted chemicals safely or to obtain a general information brochure, visit www.ecorecycle.sustainability.vic.gov.au or call Sustainability Victoria on 1800 353 233.