DISPOSING of household chemicals, paint and other low toxic waste that can't be placed in kerbside recycling bins will become easier for Sutherland Shire residents.
A state government grant will enable Sutherland Shire Council to establish a $250,000 community recycling centre in Kareela, where items can be dropped off seven days a week.
At present, a temporary waste collection centre operates at Miranda on limited occasions for problem waste, which also incudes gas bottles, batteries, oils, lamps containing mercury and smoke detectors.
The purpose built facility is expected to open in about 18 months.
It will be on a site off Bates Drive that was once a Sydney Water sullage depot and, at present, is used by the council for storage.
The grant was welcomed by MPs Mark Speakman (Environment Minister and member for Cronulla), Lee Evans (Heathcote), Eleni Petinos (Miranda) and Melanie Gibbons (Holsworthy).
In a joint statement, they said the recycling centre would make it easier for residents and was expected to result in reduced illegal dumping and stockpiling of problem waste.
Funding was provided under the $11.35 million Waste Less, Recycle More program.
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A council spokeswoman said the recycling centre was expected to open in July 2017, operating 8am-4pm Monday to Friday and 8am-midday on Saturday.
‘‘The community recycling centre is expected to cost $250,000 to build, which was the original amount of grant funds sought from the EPA Trust,’’ she said.
‘‘Council was successful in obtaining $223,000 in grant funding leaving a $27,000 contribution required of council.’’
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