Gosnells is changing the way it collects household hazardous waste, to make the process more efficient and cost effective.
From Friday November 24, the city will no longer accept household hazardous waste at its Operations Centre, except on special collection days.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said the council had difficulties getting the disposed-of items collected in a timely manner, which meant the Operations Centre had been forced to store large quantities of hazardous goods longer than was ideal.
The existing drop-off points were also frequently used by commercial businesses dumping high volumes of hazardous material that should be disposed of elsewhere.
“It is essential we keep household hazardous waste out of our recycling and general waste streams, as they can start fires and cause contamination,” she said.
“By switching to specific household hazardous waste collection days, the city hopes to make hazardous waste drop-offs more efficient for residents and ratepayers, while making the Operations Centre safer and cleaner.
“Our first collection day will be held on Saturday April 20 next year and residents can bring their household hazardous waste to the Operations Centre on that day.
“City staff will also be on hand to discuss sustainability, waste and recycling.”
Household hazardous waste includes tyres (maximum of four per household), home quantities of paint and chemicals, e-waste, polystyrene, x-rays, used engine oil, batteries and aerosols.
Clothing can also be deposited on the collection days.
Anyone who wishes to dispose of household hazardous waste before the City’s collection day on April 6 can take it to the City of Armadale’s Landfill and Recycling Centre or the City of Canning’s Ranford Road Transfer Station.
The frequency of collection dates will be based on demand.
Ms Lynes said batteries were commonly disposed of incorrectly and caused extensive difficulties for rubbish collection.
“Batteries are one of the most common items of household hazardous waste and they should now be returned to their point-of-sale across Australia, so you can easily drop used batteries in when you purchase replacements,” she said.
“To protect our environment for future generations, it is essential we think carefully about how we dispose of all our waste, whether its household hazardous waste, items that can be recycled in our yellow-top bins or at other locations, or general waste.”
Visit the City’s website for details about waste collection and drop-off points.
