Disposing your hazardous waste is made easy this month

What nasties are lurking in your garage? Here's your chance to have an early spring clean to find any hazardous waste around the house.

Hutt Valley residents will have a chance to drop off any hazardous waste for free at two locations from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 20 August at the Upper Hutt rural fire depot in Park Street and 10am to 2pm at the Riverbank car park, Lower Hutt on Sunday 21 August.

Residents can drop off everything from paint, stains and varnishes, petrol, oil and gas cylinders to fluorescent bulbs and garden chemicals.

Keep Hutt City Beautiful chairperson, Leigh Sutton strongly supports the hazardous waste collection and encourages everyone to have a good rummage around in their garages, sheds and laundries.

“It is quite common to hoard half empty cans and the like after we finish a paint or maintenance job around the house,” she says.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for you to have a spring clean and bring in any nasties … and all for free.”

Upper Hutt City Council’s Consent Engineer Team Leader, Jeff Haste adds that both councils are committed to more sustainable cities. “This annual collection goes a long way to getting rid of unwanted hazardous materials that can potentially harm your health or the environment. Last year we collected around 20 tonnes of hazardous waste that was recycled or disposed of safely to avoid contaminating landfills and harming our health.”

“Residents often call up to find out what to do with the more energy efficient compact florescent light bulbs, this is your chance to have them safely recycled for free!” says Upper Hutt City Council Sustainability Officer, Roderick Boys.

The hazardous waste collection is for household waste only.

Find out more details of what you can bring and drop off.

Hutt City residents and groups can join the Keep Hutt City Beautiful Week running 20 – 27 August by registering at www.huttcity.govt.nz/cleanupweek

For more information on recycling or disposal options get in touch or see www.huttcity.govt.nz/rubbish, or contact Upper Hutt City Council on (04) 527 2169 or see www.upperhuttcity.com/refuse-recycle.