The public have the chance to dump hazardous household waste responsibly today.

Government is holding two special waste drop-off days at Tynes Bay.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Works and Engineering said: "Residents may bring paint thinners and strippers, pesticides, insecticides, batteries, hobby chemicals, outdated medicines or anything with a hazardous or warning label."

Residents are also advised to look out for outdated labels on hazardous products such as acids, adhesives, alcohols, brake fluids, carburetor cleaners, caustics, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), degreasers, dry cleaning chemicals, epoxy, fertiliser, fibreglass resin, fluorescent tubes, greases, household cleaners, mercury-containing items (eg: switches and thermometers), moth balls, motor oil, paints, photo-finishing chemicals, pool chemicals, printing chemicals, rat poison, solvents (eg: acetone, turpentine, gasoline), spot remover, waxes and polishes, and weed killer.

People can drop off their waste at the waste treatment facility in Palmetto Road, Devonshire, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Business owners with a large quantity of waste should telephone Clarkston Trott on 297-7955.