CleanOut is a FREE service for residents to dispose of a range of common household chemicals safely (such as batteries, oil and paint) that have been residing in garages and sheds throughout the year. These chemicals could cause harm if not disposed of correctly. Most of these materials can be recycled or reused, which means that you are helping to reduce waste and pollution and recovering existing resources.

Materials accepted

Household chemicals accepted include:

• Paint and paint-related products (thinners, strippers, varnishes etc.)
• Pesticides, herbicides and poisons (fungicides, baits/poisons, wood preservatives)
• Solvents and household cleaners
• Motor oils, fuels and fluids
• Batteries
• Gas bottles
• Fire extinguishers
• Pool chemicals
• Acids and alkalis
• Hobby chemicals (photography chemicals etc.)
• Fluorescent tubes

Storage and Transportation

PLEASE 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 plastic buckets or trays
• Keep household chemicals away from passengers, e.g. in the boot.

For more information, visit the Department of Environment & Heritage's Chemical CleanOut Website

Previous Collection Results

On Sunday 14 August 2011, 500 cars entered the Auburn Baseball Club Car park for the annual Chemical cleanout and safely disposed of almost 21 tonnes of unwanted household chemicals. Thank you to all the residents who made the effort to dispose of their household chemicals correctly - well done.  

The top five materials dropped off during the collection were: leftover paint (both water and oil based) batteries - lead acid used oils gas cylinders - propane hydrocarbons and fuels