The centre was officially opened by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson on Thursday, who said the facility was “state of the art”.

“This is an important facility. The state government is opening facilities across the state because we need to recycle more and waste less,” Mr Anderson said.

“What this facility does is stop people putting stuff in their normal bin like old paint tins.

“We’ve got to do more to protect our environment.

“These facilities are great for out region and we hope Gunnedah takes the opportunity to use it.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s building and environment manager Blake O’Mullane said the upgrade was an “important step” in the right direction.

“Gunnedah Shire Council believes this will add to our ongoing commitment to recycling in Australia,” he said.

The free service will allow local residents to dispose of oil and water based paints, cooking and motor oils, smoke detectors, gas bottles, household and car batteries, fire extinguishers,  fluorescent globes and tubes. 

“Gunnedah Shire Council is very happy to co-operate with  and assist the NSW Government in providing local residents  with the opportunity to get rid of problem household waste and thereby preventing it ending up in our landfill site,” Gunnedah mayor Owen Hasler said.

“This is a good outcome for our community.” 

Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises manager Michael Hall said the new facility would be helpful and help to educate Gunnedah residents.

Gunnedah’s facility is one of a network of 100 centres being built across NSW with grants awarded by the Environmental Trust in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

The Community Recycling Centre is located at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-4pm.