Hazardous Household Waste Collection Days

Flammable, toxic, explosive or corrosive chemicals that are regularly used in and around your home. They are quite safe, if used and disposed of correctly. This includes bleach, cleaning solvents, garden and pool chemicals.

Some of these chemicals can cause fires in bins and garbage trucks if put into public or kerbside collection. They can also harm our waterways if poured down the drain.

Even small amounts of hazardous waste in a kerbside recycling bin can contaminate large volumes of otherwise recyclable materials, which wastes valuable resources.

It’s simple. Just bring your domestic chemicals to a nominated location during collection times.

A qualified chemist will assess your chemicals to ensure they can be accepted then safely dispose of them - free of charge.

Each customer is limited to a maximum amount.

• Per container: 20 kg / 20 L

• Per customer: 100 kg / 100 L

You may only drop off material during the advertised times. For safety reasons, no early or late drop-offs can be accepted.

TasWaste South runs free collection days twice a year, supported by the Waste and Resource Recovery Board, which is funded by the Tasmanian Government.

The following people can use this free service.

• Residents from any municipality.

• Retired farmers with small amounts of old agricultural chemicals.

• Customers from newly acquired properties, where chemicals have been left behind.

Businesses, schools and community groups are not eligible to take part. These organisations are responsible for arranging and paying for the safe disposal of their own chemicals. Advice on disposal options may be available from local councils or waste management businesses.

• Solvents and household cleaners

• Floor care products

• Ammonia-based cleaners

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Vapes

• Poisons

• Pool chemicals

• Hobby chemicals

• Acids and alkalis

• Old fuel

• For high-risk chemicals (such as DDT and mercury) please contact us to discuss options.

Generally speaking, we do not accept waste that can already be safely disposed of via a different method.

• Agricultural chemicals - Chemclear is a national product stewardship program managed by Agsafe.

• Ammunition and firearms - must be sold to or through a dealer, or surrendered to Tasmania Police.

• Asbestos - removal requirements depend on the type and amount of asbestos you have. Contact Worksafe Tasmania for advice.

• Batteries - collection points are available at many supermarkets, hardware stores and waste facilities. Find a drop off point near you.

• Fire extinguishers - contact TasFire Equipment, part of the Tasmania Fire Service.

• Gas bottles - can be returned through Swap ‘n’ Go services at many service stations, hardware stores and other collection points.

• Marine flares - can be disposed of at waste transfer stations throughout the region, but check the MAST website for details

• Medicine - see the Return Unwanted Medicines website for a local participating pharmacy (empty medicine blister packs are not hazardous waste and are recycled separately through the Pharmacycle program, through participating pharmacies).

• Motor oil - many waste transfer stations will accept this. Contact your council for more information.

• Paint - check with your local council to see if their waste transfer station accepts paint tins, or visit the Paintback website to find a drop off location.

If you have a specific chemical or item you want to discuss, please contact us.

Please follow these guidelines.

• Ensure lids are fitted tightly.

• Place containers on a tray or in a bucket so they do not spill and are contained if they do.

• Double wrap containers in plastic bags to stop leaks.

• Secure taps on drums so they do not break off.

• Transport corrosive chemicals (such as battery acid) and oxidising agents (such as peroxide) separate from other materials.

• If possible, keep chemicals in their original containers.

• If possible, transport chemicals in a trailer or the back of a ute.

Contact TasWaste South for more information.