Recycling centres across Norfolk are gearing up to host a special amnesty to encourage the county's householders to get rid of their hazardous waste.

Seven of Norfolk County Council's (NCC) recycling centres will be hosting the amnesty from this month through to October to help people get rid of chemicals safely and securely.

Now in its tenth year, David Harrison, NCC cabinet member for environment, transport, development and waste, said he was 'delighted' that the event would run again. He added: 'They help residents get rid of unwanted chemical products that are just too toxic, flammable, corrosive or hazardous to throw away with their normal household waste and which can damage our environment if they are not dealt with properly.

'Each amnesty will be overseen by a specialist chemist who will be on site to identify the chemicals, sort them out and arrange for their safe and secure disposal.

'Last year's events were extremely successful. We collected nearly 11 tonnes of chemicals from householders, nearly the same as the weight of a large single decker bus, and made sure they were disposed of safely.'

The seven weekend-long amnesty is free of charge and will take place at recycling centres across the county.

All 20 of Norfolk's main recycling centres collect a range of other household hazardous material all year round including household and car batteries, engine oil, cooking oil, fluorescent light tubes and gas bottles.

• For more information visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/hazardouswaste or call 0344 800 8020.

Dates and locations include:

September

9am - 6pm

7-8 September, Ketteringham, Station Lane, NR9 3AZ

14-15 September, Thetford, 15-17 Telford Way, IP24 1HU

21-22 September, Dereham, Trafalgar Business Park, NR19 1JG

28-29 September, King's Lynn, Willows Business Park, Saddlebow, PE34 3RD

October

9am - 4pm

5-6 October, Hempton, Helhoughton Road, Fakenham NR21 7DY

12-13 October, Mayton Wood, Little Hautbois, Nr. Coltishall, NR12 7JX

19-20, October, Caister, Pump Lane, NR30 5TE 9am-4pm