Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Tuesday, 8 December, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Greater Shepparton residents urged to ‘Detox your Home’ from toxic household chemicals

The household chemical collection program is coming to the Shepparton Resource Recovery Centre on Saturday 12 December. The event will run from 9am to 1pm and Greater Shepparton City Council in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, is encouraging residents to take the opportunity to get rid of unwanted and potentially dangerous items like pesticides, detergents and weed killers.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Phil Hoare said he encourages people to dispose of household chemicals in a safe manner. This year will be a little different because of COVID-19, bookings must be made, and it will also be a contactless service. Residents need to transport the unwanted chemicals to the Resource Recovery Centre and trained staff will remove the chemicals from your vehicle.

“Unwanted chemicals can be harmful to residents, pets and wildlife and can be a source of fuel in the event of a fire. Some chemicals can release toxic fumes and pollute the environment for future generations. This is a great opportunity for residents to take advantage of the free Detox your Home service to safely dispose of these unwanted items,” Mr Hoare said.

“The good news is you can reduce the risk of poisoning, environmental pollution and fire hazards, as well as improve recycling rates, by dropping off unwanted chemicals at our Detox your Home mobile collection,” Mr Hoare said.

“Do the right thing for your loved ones and the environment and Detox your Home. It’s easy and it’s free. Council does not accept these types of chemicals at the Shepparton Resource Recovery Centre at any other time so make the most of this opportunity,” Mr Hoare said.

The Detox your Home mobile collection will be held at the Shepparton Resource Recovery Centre, 125 Wanganui Road, Shepparton from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 12 December.

For bookings visit:

Online at sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome

Detox your Home is administered by Sustainability Victoria in partnership with local governments and is funded by the Victorian landfill levy. The products collected are recycled for recovery and diverted from landfill.

Residents can drop off the following items:

Acids & alkalis 
Aerosol cans 
Anti-freeze  
Brake fluid 
Car body filler 
Car wax 
Cleaners - ammonia based 
Cooking oil 
Coolant 
Detergents, disinfectants & drain cleaners 
Fertiliser  
Fire extinguishers 
Floor-care products & waxes 
Fuels - petrol, diesel, kerosene, other 
Glues - water-based & solvents 
Herbicides & weed killers 
Insect spray/pesticides  
Nail polish & remover  
Oven cleaner 
Thinners, turps and paint stripper
Pool chemicals  
Rat poison  
Solvents  
Transmission fluid  
Wood preservatives & finishes (oils & varnish)

The following items are not accepted

Ammunition or firearms
Asbestos
Car batteries
Household batteries
Chemicals used by businesses
Farm chemicals
Fluorescent light tubes
Gas bottles
Motor oil
Paint

Less toxic items – paint, household batteries and compact fluorescent lamps – can be disposed of throughout the year at a permanent drop-off site. There is a permanent drop-off site at the Shepparton Resource Recovery Centre.

For more information visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome, call 1300 363 744 or contact your local council.