Household Chemical CleanOut
The safe way to dispose of potentially hazardous household chemicals is at a Household Chemical CleanOut event. These events are free drive-thru services held across NSW on specified dates.
Use CleanOut to safely dispose of household chemicals that could cause harm to human health and the environment if not disposed of correctly. Check dates and locations for Household Chemical CleanOut events.
What can I take to a Household Chemical CleanOut event?
You can take household quantities of the following household chemicals and items – up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms of a single item.
- Solvents and household cleaners
- Floor care products
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Poisons
- Pool chemicals
- Hobby chemicals
- Motor fuels
- Fluorescent globes and tubes
- Acids and alkalis
- Smoke detectors
- Paint and paint-related products*
- Gas bottles
- Fire extinguishers
- Car and household batteries
- Motor oils and cooking oils
- Vapes**
*Up to 100 litres of Paint (in 20 litre containers) is accepted at certain CleanOut events. Please check paint quantity limits with your local Council.
**Vapes are collected as part of the Embedded Batteries Trial which ends in September 2026. Please check with your Council if this applies to your local CleanOut event in Regional NSW.
Who can use this service?
CleanOut events held in the Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter regions are open to all NSW residents, unless expressly stated.
CleanOut events in regional NSW are organised by voluntary regional waste groups with support from the EPA. The service may be available to residents from any council area within the region, but contact the host council first to find out if restrictions apply.
Business Recycling
Business-related and commercial quantities of chemicals are not accepted. Please enquire with a commercial waste operator or visit www.businessrecycling.com.au for commercial waste disposal.
Storing and transporting unwanted chemicals
Handle and transport chemicals carefully.
- Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions.
- Wherever possible keep all chemicals in their original containers.
- Ensure containers are clearly labelled and well-sealed. If you do not know the contents, label the container 'unknown chemical'.
- Liquid can leak during transport: wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper, place in sturdy plastic bags and then in plastic buckets or trays.
- Keep household chemicals away from passengers, for example, by placing them in the boot of your car.
On-site safety
For site safety reasons, you must remain in your vehicle at all times. Waste containers will be collected by staff and cannot be returned.