Most household chemicals can be disposed of free at Household Chemical CleanOut events. These are held in various locations in NSW on specified dates, usually 9am-3.30pm. This service is free. Otherwise they can be taken to some waste collection stations (fees are charged per litre).
Contact Environment Line.
By phone: 131 555
By email: info@environment.nsw.gov.au
CleanOut events
View a schedule of collection days and stations in NSW
Accepted quantities and chemicals
CleanOut can accept up to 20L or 20kg of a singular item of:
- solvents and household cleaners
- ammonia-based cleaners
- floor care products
- fluorescent globes and tubes
- paint and paint-related products (thinners, strippers, varnishes)
- pesticides, herbicides and poisons (fungicides, baits/poisons, wood preservatives)
- gas bottles
- fire extinguishers
- pool chemicals
- hobby chemicals
- acids and alkalis
- batteries and car batteries
- motor oils, fuels and fluids.
Tip: Empty paint tins or those containing completely dry paint can be safely disposed of with their lids off in the general garbage collection or recycled as scrap metal.
Regional areas
In Regional areas CleanOut collections are run by Regional Waste Groups. Contact your local council for details.
Waste collection stations
They can also be taken to some waste collection stations (fees are charged).
In the Sydney area, Suez will accept paint and motor oil for a fee.
By phone: 1300 651 116
For other areas, contact your local council.
Other useful websites
For the latest recycling programs, see Recycling and reuse in NSW