Good to Know: Safe Disposal of Chemicals
One of the trickiest things to know how to dispose of properly is chemical waste. We all have this in our homes; leftover and unwanted common chemicals which we find in the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, garden shed and garage.
Too many people just throw this type of waste out in the rubbish bin – and that is something that should NEVER be done. Common household chemicals can be dangerous in landfill: to the environment, to wildlife, and to the water supply – hence ultimately affecting human health.
What kinds of chemicals are considered to be hazardous waste?
- Floor care products
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Fluorescent light tubes and globes
- Solvents and other household cleaners
- Poisons
- Pesticides and weed killers
- Gas bottles
- Fire extinguishers
- Car batteries
- Motor fluids and oils
- Paints and mineral turpentine
- Pool chemicals
- Acids and alkaline products
- Petrol or fuel
- Kerosene
- Mercury thermometers or barometers
- Hobby chemicals
- Medications
None of these products should ever be thrown away in the bin or poured down a drain.
In NSW, the correct way to get rid of household chemicals is via the EPA’s Chemical Clean Out service. Items can be dropped off at various locations and at various times throughout the year for safe and professional disposal – see the EPA NSW website for more information. Alternatively, contact your local council for advice. Once collected items will be handled specifically and recycled or incinerated safely.
AA Adonis Rubbish Removal Services do not remove chemicals or hazardous waste – but we do appreciate how important it is that these things be disposed of safely and legally.
Important Tips:
- Never mix chemicals
- Keep all chemicals sealed in their original containers, or clearly labelled
- Any unknown chemicals should be sealed tight and labelled as such
- Store containers upright and well out of reach or children and pets
- Leaky containers should be wrapped in newspaper and double bagged and sealed
- Unwanted or out of date medications can be returned to your local pharmacy for safe disposal
- Transport chemicals in the boot of the car or in a trailer – not in the passenger section of the vehicle.
- Keep matches and lighters well away from chemicals