Redland City, Oct. 9, 2023 – To protect the community from potential hazards, Redland City Council has launched a new initiative to educate residents about the safe disposal of dangerous materials. Termed “dangers in disguise,” items such as batteries (including lithium, household, and lead acid batteries), flares, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), gas bottles, oil, and asbestos can pose significant risks if not disposed of appropriately.
Redland City Safe Disposal Initiative on HazMats
Mayor Karen Williams emphasised the importance of proper disposal, stating, “These materials, if not handled correctly, can pose a serious risk to our community.” Mayor Williams highlighted that these hazardous items should never be thrown into household kerbside bins, urging residents to adopt safe alternatives provided by the council.
Redlands Coast’s designated disposal points for various hazardous materials:
- Oils: Used engine oil and vegetable oil can be recycled at the Council’s Recycling and Waste Centres. Residents are reminded never to pour oils down the drain to prevent environmental damage.
- Batteries: Lead-acid car/vehicle batteries can be recycled at Council’s Recycling and Waste Centres (except Lamb and Karragarra Island). For other battery types, residents can check B-cycle.com.au for disposal options.
- Empty gas bottles: BBQ gas bottles and cylinders can be taken to the Council’s Recycling and Waste Centres (except Lamb and Karragarra islands) for recycling. Other gas bottles, including LPG tanks, should be returned to the supplier.
- Flares: Drop-off locations can be found on the Flare disposal page on the Maritime Safety Queensland website.
- EPIRBs: Residents are advised to refer to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority website for proper disposal guidelines.
- Asbestos: suspected asbestos, and fibre cement sheeting: Residents are advised to handle asbestos safely by referring to asbestos.qld.gov.au. Asbestos should be double-wrapped in 0.2mm thick plastic and duct tape and taken to specified Council Recycling and Waste Centres, including those on islands. A proper declaration should be made at the gatehouse, and items should be unloaded by hand into designated bins.
The Council has provided additional information on hazardous waste disposal on its website.
More details about waste and recycling can be found at www.redland.qld.gov.au. The initiative aims to create a safer environment for all residents by ensuring the appropriate disposal of potentially dangerous materials.
