ChemClear has successfully completed its largest collection of unwanted agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Victoria.
The ChemClear truck covered 5,127 kilometres over five regional runs in late 2015 and collected product from hundreds of chemical users including farmers, businesses, golf courses, government departments and councils across the state.
The final pool equated to 20.7 tonnes, with 11,319 L/kg of Group 1 classified chemicals and 9,449 L/kg of Group 2 chemicals.
“We are extremely pleased with the result,” said National Program Manager Lisa Nixon, who is enthusiastic about the growth of the program.
“Year on year we collect 25 tonnes of Group 1 chemicals and a further 25–50 tonnes of Group 2 chemicals. It’s great to see farmers are really starting to use sensible practices to prevent their chemicals building up and becoming a disposal issue. It really is a case of buy what you need, use what you have and register to dispose of any unwanted chemicals in a good timeframe.”
In total, ChemClear has collected over 77.2 tonnes of obsolete or unknown chemicals across Victoria since the inception of the program in 2003. Nationally, the program has recorded a milestone 500 tonnes of chemicals collected – a wonderful achievement for all involved.
The program also works in conjunction with drumMUSTER to complete the product stewardship cycle. The 2015 Victorian run ensured 971 empty agvet chemical containers avoided landfill. This contributed to a total of 28,139 containers collected and recycled through previous ChemClear collections across Australia.
98% of chemicals collected by ChemClear are used as an alternative fuel source in the manufacturing of cement. Most of the material is destroyed in kilns which reach temperatures in excess of 1,800°C.
If you have missed the recent collection and would like to utilise the service, please take an inventory of your unwanted chemicals and register for the next collection in the state by calling 1800 008 182.
Alternatively, ChemClear operates a permanent facility in Laverton North in Melbourne which offers a monthly drop-off service. Registrations are still essential and the address and an appointment date will be provided to interested persons. A receipt is provided at the delivery point once the chemicals are signed off.
It’s important for chemical users to keep an eye on their chemical storages and be proactive in registering unwanted chemicals for safe collection and disposal.