Detox your home collection

Moreland residents are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to rid their homes of unwanted household chemicals for free.

Drop off unwanted household chemicals in Hadfield

On Saturday 12 September 2009, residents can take their household chemicals for safe disposal to Moreland City Council Operations Centre at 40-46 South Street, Hadfield (Melways ref 17:D5) between 8 am and 4 pm.

Organised by Moreland City Council in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, the Detox Your Home program helps residents dispose of their old and unwanted chemicals in an environmentally responsible way.

Types of chemicals you can drop off

Among the types of unwanted household chemicals accepted for disposal are:

• household chemicals such as aerosol cans, insect sprays, pest poisons, household cleaners, pharmaceuticals, mothballs and old smoke detectors
• garden chemicals such as fertilisers, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides
• automotive chemicals such as transmission fluids, batteries and battery acid, brake fluid, car wax solvent and fuels (such as petrol, diesel, kerosene), and
• workshop chemicals including paint strippers, solvent-based glues, water and oil-based paints, paint thinner, acetone, turpentine, varnish and wood preservative.
• Other miscellaneous chemicals accepted are acids and alkalis, artists' paints and supplies, photographic chemicals, fibreglass resins (not mixed), extinguishers, gas cylinders, swimming pool chemicals and mercury batteries.

Items that are not accepted

• Chemicals used by businesses commercial and industrial purposes
• Motor oil         
• Containers over 20 litres or 20 kilograms or empty chemical containers
• Farm chemicals          
• Waste asbestos, ammunition and flares

Moreland City Council Mayor Lambros Tapinos said household chemicals can be dangerous if they are not stored or disposed of safely.

"Storing old chemicals in the shed or under the sink increases the risk of poisoning around the home."

"Sending chemicals to landfill or even pouring small amounts down stormwater drains can pollute creeks and rivers, harming plants and animals," he said.

How to transport chemicals to the Operations Centre

 The following safety measures should be taken when transporting chemicals to the Operations Centre:

• Make sure lids are tightly fitted.
• Place liquids on a tray or in a plastic bucket so any spills are contained
• Pack powders and solids securely.
• Keep corrosive chemicals, such as battery acid, away from poisons.
• Keep oxidising agents, such as peroxide, away from all other materials.
• Travel with your car windows down if carrying flammable or odorous materials.
• Double-wrap old liquid containers in plastic bags to prevent leaking.

Detox Your Home collections are held all year throughout Victoria.

For a list of drop-off locations and times, contact Council on 9240 1111 or visit www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au

The service is free and residents from all municipalities can use any of the collections.