Pesticide disposal

Label clearly and store at home until Council's annual chemical clean out, where you can drop them off for free.

  • The best way to dispose of pesticides is to use them completely.
  • Follow the instructions on the pesticide label and do not overuse them.
  • Rinse the empty pesticide containers three times before disposing of them and use the rinse water as a pesticide.
  • Smaller (empty) containers can be placed in the red lid garbage bin and larger containers can be taken to Council's waste management facilities as part of the drumMUSTER program.
  • Do not burn or reuse pesticide containers.

It you can't wait until the annual chemical clean out, give your leftover pesticides to someone who can use them, such as neighbors and friends, garden clubs, or community groups.

Do not give away pesticides that are banned, unlabelled or damaged.

The problem with pesticide disposal

Pesticides include:

  • herbicides: chemicals designed to kill plants
  • insecticides: chemicals designed to kill insects
  • rodenticides: chemicals designed to kill rodents.

Pesticides are chemicals that can be poisonous to pets, livestock, and humans. Some pesticides are banned or restricted as they have long-lasting hazardous effects on the environment.

Throwing pesticides into the garbage, on the ground or down the drain can pollute lakes, streams and drinking water with these toxic chemicals.

Banned pesticides

Pesticides that are banned, damaged or unlabelled shouldn't be used or given away. Damaged pesticides include caked powders and liquids that have been frozen or have separated.

Most banned pesticides will contain one of these ingredients:

  • Aldrin
  • Chlordane
  • DDT
  • Dieldrin
  • Endrin
  • Arsenic
  • Cyanide
  • 2,4,5-T
  • 2,4-D
  • Lindane.

This is not a complete list. If your pesticide was purchased before 1986, contact the Department of Primary Industries to check if it is banned.

The only way to safely dispose of banned or damaged pesticides is to take them to the annual chemical cleanout.

Storing pesticides safely

  • Clearly label the container with the name of the pesticide and the amount enclosed.
  • Store the pesticide in a locked closet or cabinet away from children or pets.
  • Store the pesticide in a dry area. Wet or damp pesticide containers may rust or leak.
  • If the pesticide container is damaged, place the pesticide (in its original container) into a sealed plastic container, a box lined with two plastic garbage bags or a metal container with a lid.

If the pesticide has silt or leaked:

  • keep children and pets away from the pesticide.
  • call the fire brigade to contain the pesticide and make it safe.

Avoid future waste pesticides

The best health and environment protection is to prevent household products from becoming hazardous wastes.

  • Be sure that you need a pesticide before you buy. Your local nursery or the Department of Primary Industries can help you decide.
  • Use alternatives to pesticides when possible.
  • Purchase only the amount you need.
  • Use leftover pesticides before buying more and before the pesticides expire.
  • Follow the storage instructions on this page.