Anchor Menu

 

What is household hazardous waste?

Household hazardous waste includes unwanted household products that contain chemicals or substances that can be harmful to you, your family, your pets, or the environment.

Hazardous waste can be dangerous at every stage of its ‘life’; this is because these materials could:

  • Cause poisoning or severe burns if swallowed, inhaled or contacts skin
  • React with other chemicals or heat and cause fire or toxic fumes
  • Leak on the ground and contaminate the soil or groundwater
  • Injure waste collectors if HHW is placed in household bins or out for verge collections
  • Pollute the environment if it ends up in a landfill.

Where to dispose of hazardous waste

The Household Hazardous Waste Program provides 13 facilities in WA for the public to safely drop off their hazardous materials for free, including:

Red Hill Waste Management Facility
1094 Toodyay Road, Red Hill
Phone: 9574 6235

Important notes:

  • Do not dispose of hazardous waste in any home bin or bulk verge collection.
  • Hazardous waste from commercial businesses (including small businesses) or industrial sites is not accepted.

Accepted/not accepted waste

The following outlines what household hazardous waste is accepted and what isn't accepted.

Accepted

The following materials are accepted through the Household Hazardous Waste Program:

  • Acids and alkalis
  • Aerosols
  • Batteries (household)
  • Engine coolants and glycols
  • Fire extinguishers - non halon (red) only
  • Flammables
  • Flares
  • Fluorescent lamps and tubes (CLFs)
  • Gas cylinders (small household)
  • Household Chemicals e.g. cleaners
  • Paint
  • Pesticides/herbicides
  • Poisons/toxics
  • Pool chemicals
  • Smoke detectors
  • Unknown chemicals (must be sealed in chemical resistant containers).

Important note:

Only domestic quantities of materials (no larger than 20kg/20L per material type) are accepted.

Not accepted

The following materials are not accepted through the Household Hazardous Waste Program:

  • Asbestos
  • Commercial and industrial waste
  • Electronic waste
  • EPIRBs and PLBs
  • Explosives, ammunition and firearms
  • Fire extinguishers - halon (yellow)
  • Medications and pharmaceuticals
  • Mobile phones
  • Motor oil and cooking oil
  • Printer cartridges/toners
  • Sharps and needles
  • Tyres

    Safe storage and transport

    When storing and transporting household hazardous waste:

    • Never mix chemicals together
    • Always keep hazardous materials out of reach of children and pets
    • Handle hazardous materials with care and avoid direct contact
    • Always wash hands after handling (even if you wore gloves)
    • Keep HHW dry and away from heat or flames and not in a hot car too long (as may cause dangerous fumes or chemical reactions)
    • Keep products in original containers where possible
    • Store containers upright with lids tightly closed and ensure containers are not leaking
    • If container is damaged or leaking, place it in a larger container with a tight fitting lid and label the outer container with the contents
    • If you must replace the damaged original container, always label the new container with the contents
    • When transporting hazardous materials, ensure they are stored securely in a box or crate so they will not fall over and leak
    • Transport HHW in the boot or rear of your vehicle, separate from the main cabin, where possible.

    More information and contact

    Visit WasteNet for more information about the Household Hazardous Waste Program, including the locations of other facilities in the program (you do not need to be a resident of the local Governments managing these facilities to be able to drop off your household hazardous waste for free).