Everything you need to know about recycling chemicals
Chemicals includes:
Pool cleaners
Pool chemicals
Garden chemicals
Household cleaners
Detergents
FIND A RECYCLER
Learn more about safe disposal of chemicals
Keep these items out of bins
The following household items are hazardous and should never be put in your recycling or garbage bin at home or work:
•Household cleaners
•Automotive products
•Garden chemicals
•Paints
•Thinners
•Adhesives
•Varnishes
•Pool cleaners
•Batteries
•Gas canisters/bottles
•Asbestos
•Oils
•Fluorescent lights
Most councils will accept small quantities these items at designated collection points. However, it varies from council to council, so it’s best to check directly with your council beforehand to find out what items can be taken to their listed depot or chemical clean-up day.
How to dispose of chemicals
Household chemicals are hazardous and must be disposed of responsibly through specialised recycling and safe disposal services. Do not put chemicals in your recycling or garbage bin.
Do this:
•Use the directory on this page to find a commercial recycler or a council collection point to take your chemicals to
•If you can’t find a location in the directory, contact your council directly to see if they have a collection point or hazardous waste disposal event coming up
Don’t do this:
•Do not put household chemicals on the street for council collection
•Do not pour chemicals on the ground or into sewers
•Do not pour chemicals down the drain or toilet
Chemical recycling tips
If you are dropping off chemicals for recycling or safe disposal, follow these tips:
•Leave chemicals in their original containers, if possible.
•If the container is not clearly labelled, write the name of the chemical on the container in permanent marker.
•If you are unsure what the chemical is, label the container “Unknown chemical'.
•Chemicals cannot be transferred to a new container at the drop-off location, so make sure the chemical is inside a disposable container you can leave behind.
•Store chemicals in the boot of your car while transporting them.
•Always check what items are accepted at the location before dropping them off.
Why recycle?
Chemicals are hazardous and toxic materials. If chemical waste is not handled correctly, it can have a serious impact on the environment. If they are sent to landfill, they can make their way into the environment, putting wildlife, waterways and human health at risk.
Disposing of chemicals correctly will:
•Reduce the risk to the environment and human health.
•Help keep our waterways clean.
•Prevent chemicals from ending up in landfill.
Your local council may accept chemicals at one of their waste and recycling facilities. Alternatively, you should be able to take any unwanted household chemicals to a hazardous waste drop-off event near you – contact your local council for more information.
Recycling other hazardous waste
The following items should never be put in household recycling or garbage bins.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a building material that becomes hazardous and toxic when it is disturbed or moved. It must be disposed of safely and responsibly to reduce risk to human health.
Batteries
Batteries contain both hazardous and valuable materials. They can be recycled through Australia’s national product stewardship scheme for batteries, B-cycle.
Computers and televisions
Computers and televisions contain both hazardous and valuable materials. They can be recycled for free through the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
Mobile phones
Mobiles contain both hazardous and valuable materials. They can be recycled for free through Australia’s product stewardship scheme for mobile phones, MobileMuster.
Paint
Various types of paint products can be dropped off at Paintback sites for free. They accept paint, deck cleaners, primers, sealers, shellacs, stains, undercoats, varnishes and more.
Vapes
Vapes and e-cigarettes contain batteries and liquids that can be hazardous. They should not be put in recycling or garbage bins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to recycle chemicals
Chemicals must not be placed in your household waste or recycling bins. Use the search bar on this page to find chemical recyclers near you.
Your local council may accept chemicals at one of their waste and recycling facilities. Alternatively, you should be able to take any unwanted household chemicals to a hazardous waste drop-off event near you – contact your local council for more information.
What is a chemical hazard?
Chemical hazards are substances that have the potential to cause harm. They can be found around the home and workplace and come in the form of solids, liquids, and gases. Common examples include household cleaners, pool chemicals, and garden chemicals. If you’re unsure if a substance is hazardous, it is best to treat it as such until you have more information.
Incorrect use or exposure to hazardous chemicals can pose a risk to human health, as well as plants, animals, and the environment. Therefore, always use any chemicals according to the instructions on the label and take all relevant safety precautions.
Due to the risk hazardous chemicals pose to both humans and the environment, they must be disposed of responsibly. They should never be put in your household recycling or garbage bins. Use the search bar on this page to find chemical recyclers near you.
