Harmful mercury that can damage the environment and human health was among 24 tonnes of hazardous household materials handed in by the community to the City of Sydney’s most recent Chemical CleanOut.
The mercury was handed in by a local man who had collected the poison from elevator and commercial light switches through his work as an engineering consultant, storing it in his garden shed for many years.
Mercury is often found in old lighting and can be extremely dangerous to humans and the environment. The Australian Lighting Council has found only 10 per cent of all light bulbs and fluorescent tubes containing mercury are safely disposed of, leading to contamination of landfills and the environment.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore praised residents for responsibly disposing of toxic items.
“Chemicals like mercury, arsenic and asbestos are extremely hazardous and don’t belong in household bins,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our free and easy chemical cleanout helps people to do the right thing by the environment – and their families’ health. It’s encouraging to see a record number of Sydneysiders get rid of unwanted chemicals in a safe and environmentally responsible way.”
There were a record number of drop-offs at the event last month with 819 households taking up the opportunity to dispose of hazardous chemicals.
Popular items collected included paints, batteries, gas cylinders, hydrocarbons, fuels and oils with pesticides, asbestos and arsenic also disposed of safely. If items such as paint are disposed of in household bins, it not only harms the environment but can cause significant damage to private property and the City’s waste trucks.
Items such as fluorescent tubes, gas cylinders and pesticides are highly flammable and contain toxic materials. Batteries contain lead and cadmium which can leach into the soil and water sources if thrown out with household garbage.
The City’s next Household Chemical CleanOut event will be held at Sydney Park Depot on Barwon Park Road, St. Peters in July. For dates in other council areas visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/live/waste-and-recycling/e-waste-and-chemicals/chemical-drop-off-day
For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Adviser Claire Thompson. Phone 0408 414 376 or email cthompson1@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Matt Levinson phone 0499 319 385 or email mlevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au