Media response - chemical dumping

Published on 17 January 2023

Response to The Advertiser.

• The journalist enquired about the next steps after dumped chemicals were found in Morphett Vale.

Council staff received a request by a resident this morning about two illegally dumped large chemical jugs/tubs.

Upon arrival, the waste services team followed protocol when coming across unknown liquids by calling the MFS to verify whether the items were safe. This process includes checking for gas/liquid escaping from containers, and whether they remain sealed.

If the MFS deem they are safe—which happened in this instance—we transport the liquids and dispose of them via a chemical contractor in accordance with EPA requirements.

Many of the items we find illegally dumped in our environment can actually be disposed of for free, either via council services or drop-off services in our community.

Chemicals, for example, can be dropped off for free to Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre, 181 Morphett Rd, North Plympton; or Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre, 32 Scott Creek Road, Heathfield.

If Onkaparinga residents are in doubt about how to safely dispose of items, check our A-Z disposal guide or call us on 8384 0666 (or call your local council for advice). Never put the community and staff in danger, and dispose of items appropriately.

ENDS