The disposal of unwanted household chemicals might seem like a simple task - but doing it incorrectly can have devastating consequences for people, property and the environment.
To make chemical disposal easy and safe, Sustainability Victoria will be holding a free Detox Your Home event in Shepparton on 10 May.
Whether it's old cleaning products, pesticides, fuels, solvents or weed killers, many of the chemicals we use daily can be dangerous if not discarded properly. From contaminating water supplies to harming wildlife, and even causing fires and explosions, improper disposal of chemicals in household garbage bins can lead to long-lasting damage and potentially life-threatening situations.
Throwing chemicals in your rubbish bin is dangerous. Many chemicals are flammable or reactive, and when exposed to heat or pressure in the garbage, they may ignite, explode, or release toxic fumes, creating safety hazards for waste management workers and anyone else in the vicinity.
Pouring them down the drain may pollute the environment, harm animals and vegetation, contaminate our water supply and make rivers and beaches unsafe for swimming.
Fortunately, there are safe and easy ways to get rid of hazardous substances. Community members can drop off unwanted dangerous household chemicals for free at Sustainability Victoria's free Detox Your Home events, which are licensed to accept toxic chemicals and are staffed by trained specialists.
Sustainability Victoria's Shepparton Detox Your Home event is on Saturday, 10 May 2025 from 9am to noon at Shepparton Transfer Station in Wanganui Road. This event is free, however those seeking to attend are asked to register their preferred timeslot to ensure a smooth process. Register at www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/detox-your-home
Accepted items include:
- Acids and alkalis
- Aerosol cans (empty cans can go in household recycling)
- Anti-freeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Coolant
- Disinfectants and drain cleaners
- Fertiliser
- Fuels (petrol, diesel, kerosene, etc.)
- Water-based and solvent glues
- Herbicides and weed killers
- Insect spray and pesticides
- Nail polish remover
- Oven cleaner
- Pool chemicals
- Rat poison
- Solvents
- Thinners, turpentine, and paint stripper
- Wood preservatives and finishes (oils and varnish).
The maximum acceptable weight or size of a single container is 20 kilograms or 20 litres.
You must clearly and accurately label your items. Use the original packaging if possible; if not, write the contents clearly using a permanent marker. If you are unsure of the contents of a container, label it 'unknown'. Decanting is not permitted on site, so bring chemicals in disposable containers that you can leave behind.
Put your items in your empty car boot or vehicle tray. There will be signs and directions for you to follow as you drive in, and you should stay in your car as you won't need to unload anything yourself. Trained staff and qualified chemists will unload everything for you.
For a full list of accepted items, visit the Sustainability Victoria website. Please note that paint is not accepted at this event. Unwanted household paint can be disposed of at any Paintback drop-off site.
Help make our community safer and our environment cleaner by participating in the Detox Your Home event. Together, we can safely dispose of hazardous materials and protect the places we live, work, and play!
