A new community recycling centre has opened in Forbes, in central-west New South Wales, enabling residents to dispose of problem waste more easily.
The centre is the first of its kind in Forbes, and will accept paints, oils, gas bottles, fluorescent globes, smoke detectors, batteries, and other items free of charge.
The centre was established with the support of a $93,500 grant from the Environmental Trust as part of the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) Waste Less Recycle More initiative.
EPA Director Circular Economy Programs Kathy Giunta said the Forbes Recycling Centre will be the 99th facility to open in New South Wales, joining a network that has to date collected more than 17,000 tonnes of problem waste.
“The network of community recycling centres across the state continues to grow and it is pleasing to see Forbes has a centre ready for use,” she said.
“These centres play an important role in protecting surrounding environments and this centre will do the same by reducing potential pollution in the Forbes area.
“Most of the items accepted at community recycling centres can be reused or recycled, helping to save water, energy, and other resources.”
Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said the new facility offered a permanent, free drop-off solution, that will make problem waste disposal convenient for locals, particularly with more waste to dispose of after recent floods.
“We are very proud that we have been able to bring this new facility to our region and it will no doubt help in the clean-up process with the recent flood event,” she said.
“Local residents should check if their flood impacted waste is eligible and are encouraged to use the centre to assist with recovery.”
The EPA has awarded more than $5 million in educational grants and more than $13 million in infrastructure grants to establish Community Recycling Centres across New South Wales.
The Forbes Community Recycling Centre is located at Lot 1 Calarie-Daroobalgie Rd, Calarie and is purpose-built for residential customers only. It is open 8:30am – 5:00pm daily.
The centre accepts household quantities (20 kilograms or 20 litres) of problem wastes for free, including water and oil-based paint, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, motor oils, other oils, car batteries, household batteries, smoke detectors, fluorescent globes and tubes, and aerosols.
For more on the Waste Less Recycle More initiative, visit: www.epa.nsw.gov.au
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