Frequently Asked Questions about our Hazardous Waste Stores Print This Page

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Q.  Can anyone dispose of their household chemicals at the hazardous waste store?
A.  Only residents of Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley Council, Lismore City and Richmond Valley Councils can take their household chemicals to the hazardous waste store.
 
Q.  Where is the store located?
A.  There are two store locations.  Residents of the Clarence Valley Council should use the hazardous waste store located at the Grafton Regional Landfill, Armidale Road, South Grafton.  Residents of Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley Council, Lismore City and Richmond Valley Councils should use the hazardous waste store located at the Lismore City Council Waste Management Facility, 313 Wyrallah Road, Lismore.
 
Q.  What are the opening hours?
A.  The Grafton store is open Monday to Friday between 9.00am – 3.00pm.
The Lismore store is open Monday to Friday by appointment between 9.00am and 3.00pm, or drop in on the last Friday of the month.
 
Q.  Do I have to make a booking to bring my chemicals in?
A.  We would appreciate it if you call to let us know when you will bring your chemicals.  Just call 6621 9671 and speak to the Lismore City Council staff or call 6641 4980 and speak to the Clarence Valley Council staff.

Q.  I can’t bring my chemicals to the hazardous waste store, can someone pick them up for me?
A.  Unfortunately we are not able to pick up your chemicals.  If you can’t bring them in yourself you may need to contact a commercial contractor.
 
Q.  I have some old drums in the shed, but I'm not sure if they are strong enough to be transported - they might fall apart if I try to lift them. What should I do?

A.  It's important to make sure that containers holding all chemicals are secure enough to be transported. Liquid can leak during transport.  Wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper and place them into sturdy plastic bags, then pack in plastic buckets or trays.   Keep household chemicals away from passengers – in the boot or trailer.  Always wear protective clothing when handling chemicals and remember, it is your responsibility to transport them safely.

Q.  I've got stuff in containers that aren't labelled and I don't know what's in them - will you take them if I bring them in?
A.  Yes, but please remember to handle all chemicals with care – take the precautions outlined in above. Please bring anything with you that might help us to identify the chemical - for example, remnants of old labels, sales brochures on the chemicals, and so on.

Q.  What materials will you accept?
A.  We will accept the following materials:  paint and paint related products, pesticides, herbicides, poisons, solvents, household cleaners, pool chemicals, acids, alkalis, hobby chemicals, acetylene, hydrogen, LP gas, aerosols, Methylated spirits, acetone, petrol, Kerosene, turps, adhesives, rat poison, arsenic, dieldrin, diquat, endosulfan, concrete cleaner, car batteries, muriatic acid, hydrochloric acid, Caustic soda, bleach, ammonia solutions, drain cleaner, liquid pool chlorine, Sump oil, vegetable oils (non-solid)
.

Q.  What materials won’t you accept?
A.  We won’t accept the following materials:  asbestos, empty containers, explosives, flares, general garbage, green waste or recyclables, night soil (sewage tank sludge and residues), quarantine waste, tyres, chemical gas cylinders which are not identified or labelled, evacuated electrical equipment (such as TV tubes), infectious and medical waste, concrete and masonry (unless chemically contaminated and only in small amounts), steel and car parts, medicines, mobile phones and batteries.
 
Q.  Is there any limit on the amount I can bring in?

A.  The hazardous waste store is for the use of residents of Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley Council, Lismore City or Richmond Valley Council only.  Only household quantities are accepted.  Each resident is limited to 20litres of material.
 
Q.  Will I have to pay anything to bring my chemicals in?
A.  No.  This service is free of charge to residents of Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley Council, Lismore City Council and Richmond Valley Council.
 
Q.  What information will I have to supply when I bring my chemicals in?

A.  We will ask for general information, such as your name, address and Council area.  If you bring any unknown chemicals, we will ask you for any information that might help us identify the material - for example, what you think it might have been used for.

Q.  What is going to happen with all the chemicals that will be collected?
A.  The chemicals will be immediately segregated into secure / bunded areas, according to type in the storage facility. They will then be sent to appropriate licensed treatment facilities, where they will be safely treated. Unknown materials will be sampled and analysed to determine the most appropriate disposal method for them and then safely treated.

Q. 
Will all chemicals be destroyed, or will some be stored?
A.  We expect that the majority of chemicals will be safely prepared for reuse ore recycled (where possible), destroyed or disposed of within a relatively short time. There may be minor quantities of unusual chemicals for which there is currently no disposal method commercially available in Australia. These chemicals will be safely stored until a suitable disposal method becomes available.
 
Q.  Can I combine the contents of several small containers into one large container?

A.  Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions.  Try to keep all chemicals in their original containers.  Ensure containers are clearly labeled and well sealed.  If you don’t know what’s in the container, label it “unknown container”.
 
Q.  I have some unwanted household medicines.  Can I bring them in?
A.  No.  You can return your old and unwanted medicines to any pharmacy for free and safe disposal.  For more information ask your pharmacist, call 1300 650 835 or visit www.returnmed.com.au. 
 
Q.  What about old mobile phones?
A.  Your old mobile phones and their batteries can be recycled.  For details of an outlet near you call 1300 730 070 or visit www.phonerecycling.com.au  or to assist a charity and recycled your mobile phone visit www.arp.net.au  

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