Residents can now drop off problem wastes such as paints, oils, gas bottles e-waste and batteries for free at the new Community Recycling Centre, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced at the facility’s opening on Monday.

Walcha Council established the recycling centre after receiving a $183,000 NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More initiative grant.

“Establishing this recycling facility will help the NSW Government keep problem wastes out of landfill and help reduce illegal dumping,” Mr Anderson said.

“We want to encourage communities to recycle problem wastes to help prevent contaminants from entering the environment.

“The centre will complement the community’s existing recycling services, minimise waste and increase recycling.”

Mr Anderson said this centre was part of a network of 100 facilities being established across NSW.

Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes said that Walcha Council was committed to improving recycling and waste services for residents.

“The upgraded facility provides a year-round, convenient solution for recycling or safely disposing of hazardous household wastes,” Mr Noakes said.

“It will ensure more of these sorts of waste are kept out of landfill where they may harm the environment and it provides another way we can all minimise waste and boost recycling.

“Walcha residents have always been willing to embrace new, smarter ways to manage their waste, and I’m sure the Community Recycling Centre will be no exception.”

The centre accepts the following problem wastes for free: water-based and oil-based paints; used motor oils and other oils; lead-acid and hand-held batteries; gas cylinders and fire extinguishers; conventional tube and compact fluorescent lamps; smoke detectors; E-waste and mobile phones and needle sharps

The centre is located at 49 Aerodrome Road, Walcha. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7:30am – 3:30pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm and Sunday 1pm-5:00pm.

Waste Less, Recycle More is a NSW Government initiative to keep waste out of landfill, increase food and garden waste collections, boost business recycling and invest in new infrastructure.