By Karen Poh
BRIMBANK residents have diverted almost 10 tonnes of potentially harmful chemicals from landfill through Sustainability Victoria’s Detox Your Home chemical collection last month.
Held in Keilor Park on 21 July, 267 local residents came forth with items such as paint, oil and a mixture of compressed gases, batteries and other harmful chemicals.
Sustainability Victoria chief executive Geoff Mabbett said residents had done themselves, their council and the environment a great service.
“The community’s response to the collection day was excellent,” he said.
“The safe disposal of these products protects our homes and prevents the chemicals from being dumped into our environment.
“Relatively small amounts of some chemicals can also be harmful to humans and animals,” Mr Mabbett said.
Items collected on the day were sorted and treated according to their chemical properties, and containers considered unsafe were repackaged for safe handling.
The Brimbank City Council in partnership with Sustainability Victoria has also just launched a new drop-off facility.
The service is free, and residents can dispose of household paint, motor oil, car batteries, domestic batteries and fluorescent tubes all year round at the council’s depot in Stadium Drive.
It will be open 5 days a week from 9am to 4pm and on the first Saturday of each month from 10am to 4pm.
Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said the permanent drop-off facility would make it easier for households to dispose of dangerous chemicals at no cost.
“I believe it has the potential to reduce the amount of dumped rubbish currently found throughout our municipality,” she said.
For more information on Sustainability Victoria’s Detox Your Home program, residents can call 1800 3532 33 or visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au.
