The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is reminding families that problematic household waste items, including paint, oils, lithium-ion batteries and gas cylinders can still be recycled over the holidays.
NSW EPA Director of Circular Economy Programs Kathy Giunta said she hopes to see positive recycling behaviour at Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) this holiday period to reduce risks and harm to people, properties and the environment.
"Once the gift-giving is done, NSW residents can clear out problem waste from their homes and garages thanks to our network of 100 CRCs across NSW," Ms Giunta said.
Since 2014, more than 17,800 tonnes of problem waste have been collected through CRCs, and more than 14,600 tonnes of chemical waste have been collected through Household Chemical CleanOut events.
Across both programs, NSW residents have disposed of more than 19,500 tonnes of paint, 4000 tonnes of gas cylinders, 1900 tonnes of oils and 1300 tonnes of batteries since 2014.
"This Christmas we are encouraging everyone to help reduce risks by disposing of household waste appropriately rather than letting problem items collect dust in the garage or by throwing them in the bin.
"As well as household wastes, lithium-ion batteries are a particular recycling focus over the holidays as waste from these power sources is increasing by 20 per cent each year.
"Lithium-ion batteries are a brilliant energy source for phones, smart watches, e-bikes and devices, but they contain highly flammable chemicals that can cause fires in homes, waste disposal trucks and facilities.
"The good news is there's enormous potential for recycling these batteries as 95 per cent of their components can be turned into new batteries or used in other industries.
"By taking these batteries and other problem wastes to a designated CRC collection site they can be recycled for free and we can all play a positive part in building a circular economy in NSW."
CRCs accept a range of household problem waste materials including paint, oils, gas cylinders, and batteries which can cause harm to our environment or pose a risk to safety if disposed of improperly.
