How to Dispose of Hazardous Household Waste Safely
Updated 2026-07-04 · 6 min read
Some everyday items are hazardous and must never go in normal bins, drains or fires. Handling them correctly protects people, water and soil — and is often a legal requirement.
Common household hazardous waste
- Paints, solvents and thinners
- Batteries and fluorescent tubes
- Motor oil, brake fluid and antifreeze
- Pesticides, pool and cleaning chemicals
- Expired medicines and sharps
Golden rules
- Never pour chemicals or oil down drains or storm-water
- Keep items in their original, labelled containers
- Don't mix different chemicals together
- Store safely away from children and pets until drop-off
Use a licensed handler
Hazardous waste needs treatment by a licensed facility. Find providers in the Hazardous & Special Waste stream under the 'treat safely' and 'dispose responsibly' strategies — prioritise verified and certified operators.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pour old paint down the drain?
No. Dried-out water-based paint can sometimes go in general waste, but liquid and solvent-based paints are hazardous and must go to a proper facility. Never pour them down drains.
Where do used batteries go?
Use dedicated battery drop-offs or a hazardous-waste handler. Batteries are a fire and contamination risk and must be kept out of general and recycling bins.