Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) impacted by the recent fire at a chemical waste facility in St Marys are back open for business, following temporary service disruptions.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has worked closely with councils and waste contractor Cleanaway to safely resume operations after the incident on 4 February 2025.
NSW EPA Executive Director of Programs & Innovation, Alexandra Geddes said residents can once again drop off problem waste such as batteries, paint, cooking oils and gas bottles.
"Thanks to strong collaboration with councils and industry, CRCs that either closed or had reduced services have all reopened and are back helping households protect the environment and keep hazardous waste out of landfill," Ms Geddes said.
"This is particularly important as Greater Sydney's landfill capacity is projected to run out by 2030 unless urgent action is taken.
"We thank community members for their patience while we worked to restore these essential recycling pathways.
"CRCs are a free and easy way for households to dispose of specific items, and we're pleased to see them back online and supporting the sustainable management of waste across NSW."
The St Mary's facility is a key processing site for harmful waste and other materials collected by Cleanaway through the CRC network, which is jointly delivered by local councils and the NSW EPA.
The disruption did not affect all 101 CRCs. The 36 centres in the state's Central and Far West regions are serviced by a different contractor and remained fully operational.
Residents are encouraged to check their local council website or visit www.cleanout.com.au to confirm opening hours and accepted products.
