The next phase of the ChemCollect campaign, a scheme to clear NSW farms of unwanted agricultural and veterinary chemicals, is about to commence in the south east.Tallaganda collection will be at the sale yards on Sunday April 29 and Monday April 30, 2001.
The $8.6 million dollar project, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, commenced last November on the Far South Coast, where 9.5 tonnes of chemical waste was collected from the five local government areas.
This phase of the campaign, which will cover the remainder of south east NSW, will give farmers a one-off opportunity to dispose of unwanted chemicals, including deregistered items, free of charge.
“Everyone understands the potential hazards of keeping unwanted farm chemicals around but it’s easy to let stocks build up. ChemCollect provides a chance to clear out the sheds and dispose of these chemicals easily and safely,” said Con Zissermann, ChemCollect project manager.
ChemCollect will set up temporary collection sites in nine regional locations where farmers can drop off any unwanted chemicals. The first collection will be held on April 3 and 4 in Young, followed by collections in Harden, Boorowa, Crookwell, Yass, Gunning, Mulwaree, Tallaganda and Yarrowlumla.
ChemCollect will progressively cover the rest of the State throughout 2001 and 2002.
“This will be the last opportunity for NSW farmers to participate in this free government funded farm chemical collection and disposal service,” Mr Zissermann said.
Chemicals to be accepted by ChemCollect are those used in:
* agricultural and livestock production and pest or wood control;
* unidentified farm chemicals believed to have been used for those purposes; and
* farm chemicals that are no longer registered for use.
Farmers are particularly encouraged to surrender de-registered chemicals such as DDT, aldrin, chlordane, heptachlor and lindane. They will not be penalised in any way for bringing in these chemicals.
The scheme is being managed by Waste Service NSW. Professional subcontractors will collect, sort and pack chemicals at collection sites and then transport them to a central facility for disposal. Pre-booking is recommended for safety reasons and to minimise waiting times. Bookings can be made on the toll-free ChemCollect Infoline - 1800 507 654. Further information about the scheme is available on the ChemCollect Web site at www.chemcollect.nsw.government.au
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