Victoria household waste program reaches milestone

The highly successful household waste program Detox your Home launched its 500th mobile drop-off event in Victoria on Saturday (August 18).

Taking place at the Boroondara Recycling and Waste Centre, the program allows Victorians to dispose of hazardous household waste, safely and effectively.

State minister for environment and climate change Ryan Smith said it was important for households to take advantage of the program, which benefits both DIYers and local residents.

"We are removing more waste from landfill to protect groundwater and environment, but it's just as imperative householders don't pour these chemicals down the sink," Mr Smith explained.

Since the program's inception in 1994, more than 140,000 households across Victoria have participated in the green initiative.

Detox your Home, administered by Sustainability Victoria, aims to reduce waste across the state, and its impact on the environment through year-long opportunities.

"There are roughly 30 mobile events each year and we also have 12 permanent sites which are open all year round. One of the most pleasing aspects of the program is that over 90 per cent of all chemicals collected are used for energy recovery, or recycled," Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said.