Household Hazardous Waste
Some types of household waste require special disposal arrangements because they have properties that are flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic to humans or the environment.
Some chemicals can cause fires or explosions, rapid chemical reactions or immediate health risks such as poisoning. There are other substances that have health effects that are not always obvious - symptoms may develop only years after repeated exposure and may cause chronic illnesses such as cancer, asthma, dermatitis and other diseases.
Why wheelie-bin disposal of hazardous waste is unsafe
Although you may think that it would be safe to place all types of waste in the household wheelie bin, the following problems can occur:
- Some waste materials can react causing a fire in the bin or the garbage truck thus causing a hazard for truck drivers and the community.
- You can never assume that no one will come in contact with the contents of your bin. Bins can get knocked over at the kerbside or waste can be spilled during servicing.
- Some liquids such as paint and oil can make a terrible mess when the garbage truck compacts the containers releasing the liquid. The paint or oil can be sprayed out of the truck onto nearby cars or property. This is the main reason why paint should be dried out before disposal and waste oil is better taken to a Resource Recovery Centre.
Free hazardous household waste drop-off days
- Ipswich City Council hosts an annual free household hazardous waste day where hazardous chemicals can be safely disposed.
- A limit of 20 litres/kilograms of each chemical or product applies. This service is only for Ipswich residents. No material will be accepted from commercial sources.
- Normal fees and charges apply if residents are disposing of other waste materials on this day.
Hazardous Waste that can be taken to a Resource Recovery Centre
The following items are accepted anytime and can be dropped off for free every day of the year.
- Batteries (household and automotive)
- Empty gas bottles
- Motor and gear oils
- Paints (maximum of 20 litres per container and 100 litres per customer per visit)
Hazardous Waste that can go in the red lid General Waste bin
- Cooking oil (small amounts)
- Floor care products
- Fluorescent light bulbs or tubes
- Hair care products
- Medicines
- Metal polish with solvent
Ever been confused on what things go in which bin? Use the Recycle Mate waste search to assist you with getting it sorted when it comes to resource recovery.
Chemical waste that can go in the sewer via a household sink or toilet
Queensland Urban Utilities recommend that only the below chemicals that meet general conditions, concentration limits and household volume limits acceptable to discharge to the sewer.
- Aftershaves
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Bathroom cleaners
- Disinfectants
- Hair care products
- Perfumes
- Window cleaners
Important things to know:
- Do not pour chemicals into septic tanks or down stormwater drains.
- Do not put wet wipes marked as 'flushable' in the toilet or sewer. Place them in your red lid general waste bin.
- Mix chemicals with water before disposing via the household sewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of ammunition and explosives?
How do I dispose of batteries?
- The Riverview Resource Recovery Centre can accept a restricted quantity of household and lead acid batteries.
How do I dispose of asbestos?
- Asbestos is highly toxic, causing a range of lung diseases that are slow to develop but in many cases deadly. Inhaling the fibres can cause a fibrous stiffening and shrinking of the lung, as well as lung cancer, particularly the incurable, rapidly-growing lung cancer known as mesothelioma.
- Asbestos is not accepted at Riverview or Rosewood Resource Recovery Centres.
- Detailed information on how to remove asbestos from buildings safely and legally can be found at the Queensland Government - Asbestos website or by calling 13 74 68.
How do I dispose of smoke alarms?
- There are two main types of household smoke alarms - ionisation, which contain a very small amount of radioactive material and photoelectric, which do not contain any such material.
- The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS), and Queensland Health, advise that in relation to ionisation smoke alarms:
- Individual or small numbers of ionisation smoke alarms can be safely disposed of in the general waste bin.
- The amount of the same type of radioactivity in normal soils is equivalent to a dozen or more ionisation smoke alarms in every cubic metre. Therefore, the dispersal of ionisation smoke alarms, even in large numbers, through landfill sites, is not of concern.
Deceased animals
- Roadside deceased animals: report roadside deceased animals for collection to council on (07) 3810 6666. Deceased animals are scanned for a microchip at point of collection from the road or footpath. Owners will be contracted if a microchip is detected.
- Deceased animal collection service: council provides a deceased animal collection service for Ipswich residents and local businesses. To book a service during business hours please contact Ipswich Waste Services on (07) 3810 8100. Charges apply. For services outside business hours, please contact your local vet or a private collection service such as VetraHealth on 1300 059 572.