HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE

In reply to the Hon. A.L. EVANS (6 June 2007).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): I have been advised that:

1. The Zero Waste SA household hazardous waste and farm chemical collection program is carried out in concert with local councils. Since the program commenced in March 2004 and up to December 2006 over 681 tonnes of unwanted material had been received from 12,471 people in 44 regional and metropolitan councils.

While local councils provide a collection site and staff to assist on collection days, the facility is not restricted to residents of the council area – it is available to anyone who needs to dispose of chemicals.

Local councils are responsible for the marketing and advertising of the program while Zero Waste SA takes responsibility for removal and safe disposal of the waste. Zero Waste SA has contracted a professional marketing company (Jon Lamb Communications) to assist councils to manage the publicity and media component of the program.

Council residents are notified by way of advertisements and articles in the local press, a flier is delivered to every household, and posters advertising the collection are displayed at prominent locations around the council area (eg libraries, supermarkets etc) notifying residents of the date, location and opening hours of the collection and what types of materials will be accepted. Other forms of advertising include articles in school newsletters, on local radio, and in council newsletters and on council websites.

Information is also available on the Zero Waste SA website including dates, locations and opening times of collections, types of waste that will and will not be accepted at the collection points, how to safely transport chemicals, and alternatives to hazardous products.

2. The operation of the Dry Creek depot will be re-evaluated as part of a review of the Zero Waste SA household hazardous waste and farm chemical collection program that commenced in July 2007.

3. The review of the Zero Waste SA household hazardous waste and farm chemical collection program will consider all options for the safe disposal of hazardous household waste.