Council ceases chemical clean-out

Gosford Council has announced it will not hold a household chemical clean-out day on the Peninsula this year blaming State Government funding cuts.

The government department responsible has denied funding to the program has been cut.

Council's manager of waste and emergency services Mr Robin Benson said the program was an "expensive exercise" for council at a cost of $100,000 to hold two clean out days per year.

"Essentially council funded the chemical clean out program which was heavily dependent on indirect subsidies from the State Government," Mr Benson said.

"The State Government informed council in August last year that it had changed the rules."

However, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water said it had provided funding of $25,000 to the Central Coast region to facilitate the Household Chemical Cleanout program since 2008.

"The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water has provided funding of $150,000 to the Central Coast region since 2002-03 to facilitate the Household Chemical Cleanout program," the spokesperson said.

"This includes annual payments of $20,000 until 2007 and $25,000 per annum thereafter.

"The Department is not cancelling this funding and will continue to provide funds to both Gosford and Wyong Councils to ensure that this important program can continue.

"Last year the Household Chemical Cleanout program collected more than 800 tonnes of waste across NSW with the top three items collected being paints, oils and batteries.

"Since the program began in March, 2003, almost 4500 tonnes of household hazardous waste has been collected."

Mr Benson said the council was planning to hold a chemical clean out day in late August to give ratepayers the opportunity to dispose of household chemicals efficiently and effectively.

It is expected this collection will be held at Council's Erina depot.

He said in the past council, in conjunction with Wyong Shire Council, held two chemical clean out days per year.

He encouraged local ratepayers to use existing measures in place at Woy Woy and Kincumber landfills.

"While council will not be holding a clean out day until later in the year, it is important for local residents to be reminded of the opportunity to dispose of unwanted items including motor oil at Woy Woy and Kincumber landfills," Mr Benson said.

"Motor oil can be disposed of at either of council's landfill facilities seven days a week while gas bottles can be accepted as waste for a small fee of $2.20 per bottle.

"Vehicle batteries can also be disposed of at Woy Woy and Kincumber landfills at no charge to local residents."

Clare Graham, 16 Feb 2010 Interviewee: Robin Benson, Gosford Council Media statement, 18 Feb 2010 Emma Peterson, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water