PR 1801

HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE SCHEME EXTENDED

Householders in the Fareham and Alton areas will soon be able to dispose of their hazardous household waste free of charge.

From 1 February, the household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) at Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth, and the Omega Park industrial estate, Alton, will be licensed to accept waste such as garden chemicals, white spirit, cleaning products and household batteries.

Residents will be able to take such items to special lockable containers where the contents will be taken away either for recycling or safe disposal that does not harm the environment.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Environment, Councillor Keith Estlin, said: "Hampshire was one of the first councils to offer this popular service to residents, and I'm very pleased that we're now extending it to a total of 11 HWRCs countywide.

"Regulations are becoming ever more strict on the safe disposal of hazardous household waste, so anything that makes it easier for people to do it properly is a good move. I'm sure those living in the Fareham and Alton areas will find this a valuable service."

For further details of the scheme in Hampshire, pick up the leaflet `Dispose of it safely' from County Council information centres in Winchester, Waterlooville, Farnborough, Basingstoke and New Milton, or log on to www.integra.org.uk/about/hazardleaflet.html.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Seven other HWRCs operated by Hampshire County Council are already licensed to take hazardous household waste: Andover; Basingstoke; Bordon; Farnborough; Marchwood; Netley; Winchester.

HWRCs in Portsmouth and Southampton are also licensed to take hazardous household waste. For more details of the service in these areas please call Portsmouth City Council on 023 9283 4092, or Southampton City Council on 023 8083 2348.

Hazardous waste should always be kept in its original containers. Never mix chemicals together or pour them down the sink or drain.

All 11 HWRCs licensed to receive hazardous household waste can accept the following: white spirit; paint brush cleaners; descalers; stain removers; drain cleaners; household batteries; fluorescent light tubes; glues; photographic chemicals; oven cleaners; swimming pool cleaners; pesticides; lawn treatments; weed killers; wood preservatives; anti-freeze; brake fluids; lubricants.

Liquid fuels (eg petrol, paraffin or diesel), ammunition or explosives are not acceptable under any circumstances.

For further information please contact: Sarette Martin on 01962 847666 sarette.martin@hants.gov.uk 26/01/2005