SAFE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE

With spring almost here, it is the perfect time to clear out your garden shed or garage and get rid of those unwanted gardening products, chemical cleaners, anti-freeze and other potentially dangerous substances.

Getting rid of them safely is now easy - and free - with a new Project Integra initiative being delivered through nine household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) in Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Southampton. The sites will all have dedicated containers to store hazardous household substances which will then be taken for specialist and safe disposal.

The scheme is being launched on 1 April. Materials should be kept in their original containers where possible, and the site manager should be informed on arrival at the HWRC to ensure the waste is placed in the special storage container.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Environment, Councillor Keith Estlin, said: "This new scheme is the ideal time to safely dispose of all those old containers of unused substances that could pose a danger to children, animals or the environment. A good clear-out also frees up storage space in your shed or garage for that new piece of garden equipment or sun lounger!"

HWRCs offering hazardous material disposal are in Basingstoke, Andover, Winchester, Marchwood, Southampton, Netley, Portsmouth, Bordon and Farnborough.

All sites are open seven days a week, including bank holidays, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Opening hours are 8am-7pm (1 April-30 September), and 8am-4.30pm (1 October-31 March).

For further information about hazardous household waste, contact Hampshire County Council on 01962 847003 for a free leaflet, or log on to www.integra.org.uk.

ends

Sarette Martin 01962 847666
24 March 2003
D603 (l)