Hazardous waste collection days a big success

So far this year, TasWaste South has helped southern Tasmanians divert 4.6 tonnes of household hazardous waste from landfill – roughly the weight of a full-grown African elephant.

CEO Paul Jackson said TasWaste South’s free household hazardous waste collection days let people safely dispose of flammable or corrosive chemicals such as weedkiller, fuel and bleach.

“These chemicals are used in homes every day, but if not managed correctly they can potentially harm people and the environment, cause fires in bins, trucks and landfills, and even small amounts can contaminate a whole recycling bin,” Mr Jackson said.

“TasWaste South has been running free hazardous waste collection days for the past two years as part of a coordinated state-wide program.”

“Over five recent collection days in Hobart, Huonville, Kingborough, the Derwent Valley and Tasman Peninsula, we collected 266 kg of corrosives, 2,765 kg of toxics, 1,288 kg of flammables, 81 kg of oxidising agents and 437 vapes.”

“We hear from a lot of people who are cleaning out cupboards and sheds, particularly with deceased estates, and we work with a specialist Tasmanian contractor to manage, neutralise and dispose of this material appropriately.”

“These are TasWaste South’s biggest results yet and we will announce more free household hazardous waste collection days later in 2026.”

“We’re also working with Kingborough Council on a new hazardous waste storage facility at the Baretta Waste and Recycling Centre, that will be opening soon.”

“Tasmania’s councils do a lot to help reduce waste, including kerbside recycling, food and organics collection, and providing tip shops and reuse centres.”

“TasWaste South builds on that work by ensuring all southern councils work together in a coordinated way around the circular economy, resource recovery and waste management.”

Picture courtesy City of Hobart.