Disposal of Chemicals

Unwanted household products such as paint, cleaners and pesticides must not be placed in your regular waste or recycling bins.

Detox your home

The Detox Your Home program ensures these chemicals are recycled or disposed of safely and in an environmentally responsible way. Residents from Alice Springs can drop off their unwanted chemicals at the landfill at Commonage Road for free every Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.

What chemicals can I dispose of?

Among the types of unwanted household chemicals accepted for disposal are:

• household chemicals such as aerosol cans, insect sprays, pest poisons, household cleaners, pharmaceuticals, mothballs and old smoke detectors
• garden chemicals such as fertilisers, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides
• automotive chemicals such as batteries and oils (including motor and sump oils)

What chemicals can I not dispose of?

Chemical waste that will not be accepted includes:

• chemicals not used for household purposes such as farm, industrial and commercial-use chemicals
• containers larger than 5 litres in size

Who will take your Commercial, Farm and Industrial Chemical Waste?

• Council supports the Drum Muster Program which collects empty chemical containers.
• Council Support the ChemClear Program which support responsible collection and disposal service for obsolete agricultural and veterinary chemicals for rural communities.
• Contact your local chemical disposal service

The risks of storing chemicals around your home

Storing old chemicals in the shed or under the sink increases the risk of poisoning around the home. Sending chemicals to landfill or even pouring small amounts down stormwater drains can pollute creeks and rivers, harming plants and animals.

Safety measures

The following safety measures should be taken when transporting chemicals to the depot:

• ensure lids are tightly fitted
• place liquids on a tray or in a plastic bucket so any spills are contained
• pack powders and solids securely
• keep corrosive chemicals, such as battery acid, away from poisons
• keep oxidising agents, such as peroxide, away from all other materials
• travel with your car windows down if carrying flammable or odorous materials
• double-wrap old liquid containers in plastic bags to prevent leaking