Chemicals
Modern homes often contain a broad range of chemicals, from cleaners to paints, pesticides and motor oils. Many of these chemicals are incorrectly disposed of into landfill or urban sewerage. Chemicals can remain in the environment for a long time, as pollution in water ways, or absorbed by plants and animals or into our bodies, often with unknown health effects.
The decisions you make when you buy and dispose of household chemicals can have a real difference to the impact we make on the environment and the health of our communities.
In the Who Cares about the Environment in 2006? survey, almost all participants agreed that more needs to be done to help people make choices about chemicals, to provide information about chemicals and their impacts and to gather information about chemicals in the environment.
DECC is responsible for regulating the use of chemicals and pesticides in NSW to reduce exposure and minimise impacts on the environment. This website offers a comprehensive listing of resources and support for the household use and disposal of chemicals in the home and garden, and in do-it-yourself renovation. Find out everything you need to know about sustainable approaches to household cleaning and gardening, safe pet care and renovation advice.
When it's time to CleanOut your household chemical clutter, do it the right way at one of DECC's Household Chemical CleanOuts. CleanOut events are scheduled throughout the year, in various locations. Check the register of the locations and dates for upcoming CleanOuts or contact your local council.
Our Environment - It's a living thing website provides plenty of tips and ideas for choosing safer chemicals and reducing their impact on the environment. You'll also find specific advice for dealing with the chemicals you use for cleaning, building and renovating and in the laundry.
Pesticides are useful products but they can harm human health and the environment. It is important to use all pesticides correctly and to deal with pesticide wastes, such as surplus pesticides and pesticide containers, in an environmentally sound manner. DECC's household guide to handling pesticide wastes outlines the correct handling and disposal procedures for small quantities of pesticides.