Waterford Householders encouraged to dispose of Hazardous Waste safely and for free
Waterford City & County Council is encouraging householders across the county to avail of its Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day on Saturday, May 5, 2018.
From 9am to 4pm on this day only, certain hazardous wastes found around the home can be disposed of free of charge at Dungarvan Civic Amenity Centre, Ballinamuck Middle, Dungarvan. A full list of items accepted is available on www.waterfordcouncil.ie
Many everyday household items, fluids and containers are considered hazardous to both the environment and human health if not stored and disposed of correctly.
Pauline McDonogh, Southern Regional Waste Management Office explained that even common household items such as cooking oil and detergents can be considered hazardous if not treated with proper care and consideration.
“Waste is classified as being hazardous when it displays one or more of the hazardous properties listed in the Waste Management Act. These relevant properties are explosive, oxidizing, flammable, irritant, harmful, toxic, or carcinogenic.”
“People are surprised to learn how many common items around the home fit this criteria, for example mixed fuels, batteries – car and household, medicinal waste, pesticides, herbicides, paints and varnishes. Household detergents, anti freeze, oil filters, adhesives and aerosols should also be considered as hazardous and treated accordingly,” she advised.
“The careless disposal of hazardous household waste has the potential to cause physical injury to waste disposal workers and contaminate septic tanks or our wastewater systems if poured down sinks, toilets or drains.”
Ella Ryan, Environment Awareness Officer Environment Department, Waterford City & County Council stated that, “This event is an opportunity for people to rid their homes of such waste safely and for free. Hazardous waste accepted on the day is listed on our website www.waterfordcouncil.ie. It is also an opportunity for us all to consider replacing these items, where possible, with environmentally friendly, natural products.
“Ideas and recipes on how to create household cleaners from common non-hazardous ingredients will be available on the day or by contacting me on 0761 10 2938 or emailing eryan@waterfordcouncil.ie.”
This one day event is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and supported by Southern Regional Waste Management Office. The event is open only to householders and all items must be in original packaging and labelled.
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Contact: Ella Ryan, Environment Awareness Officer 0761 10 2938
