Storage of Household Hazardous Wastes

If you have purchased commercially prepared household cleaners, here are some tips on how to use them carefully and how to dispose of them:

• Always store hazardous chemical products in their original containers so that handling and disposal instructions on labels can be followed and so that other users are not misled about the contents.
• Always store hazardous chemical products in properly closed containers, in well-ventilated areas and in places where children and pets cannot reach.
• Be careful not to store bleaches too close to ammonia or acids. A chlorine bleach and ammonia mixture creates a highly poisonous gas.

Recycling of household hazardous wastes

If you have unwanted leftover or hazardous products other than medicine and certain pesticides, ask if a friend, relative or neighbour could make use of them. Or perhaps you can donate paint and other products to community groups, etc.

However, be sure to only pass them on in their original containers with their original labels, and with any safety notices or instructions leaflets that came with them.

Disposal of oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, sink and drain cleaners, bleaches, rust removers and most acid and alkaline products

• Always try to use completely or to pass onto other people, these household products.
• Unwanted or leftover portions should be sealed in their original containers and disposed of at a household hazardous waste drop-off facility.
• Sealed empty containers should be disposed of with your ordinary rubbish. They should never be reused to store other materials.

Disposal of paint and solvents, spot removers, carpet and furniture cleaners, floor and furniture polishes and glues and other hazardous household materials

• Our hazardous waste storage facility is operating at the Blenheim Transfer Station in Wither Road. Hazardous household waste clearly labelled can be deposited at the depot free of charge. Ring the Council for further information on 03 520 7400.

Disposal of prescription medicines and over the counter drugs

• Never pass on prescription medicines or over the counter drugs to anyone.
• Unwanted leftovers should not be left lying around for children to find and misuse. These can be returned to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. You may also flush small quantities of them down the toilet. However, if you have a septic tank system do not flush antibiotics down the toilet as they can destroy the bacteria required in the tanks. In such cases antibiotics should be crushed or broken, mixed with other rubbish and put out for collection.