Last updated: July 2026
The NSW EPA Household Chemical CleanOut is a free drive-thru service where NSW households can safely dispose of hazardous chemicals: paint, batteries, pesticides, pool chemicals, old motor oil, and more. Events are held across Sydney, Illawarra, and Hunter on specified dates.
If you have hazardous chemicals at home and are not sure how to get rid of them safely, this page covers what the programme accepts, who can use it, and how to find your nearest event or Community Recycling Centre.
What to know at a glance
- Cost: Free
- Format: Drive-thru. You stay in your vehicle.
- Who runs it: NSW Government programme
- Item limit: 20 litres or 20 kg per individual item
- Coverage: Sydney, Illawarra, Hunter (open to all NSW residents); regional NSW events may have restrictions
- Businesses: Not eligible
- Events page: epa.nsw.gov.au (search "Find CleanOut events")
- EPA page updated: 28 May 2026
What can I take to a Household Chemical CleanOut event?
You can drop off household quantities of the following at a CleanOut event. The limit is 20 litres or 20 kilograms per individual item.
- Solvents and household cleaners (including methylated spirits)
- Floor care products
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Poisons
- Pool chemicals
- Hobby chemicals
- Motor fuels
- Fluorescent globes and tubes
- Acids and alkalis
- Smoke detectors
- Paint and paint-related products
- Gas bottles
- Fire extinguishers
- Car and household batteries
- Motor oils and cooking oils
- Vapes (see note below)
Paint note: Up to 100 litres of paint, in 20-litre containers, is accepted at certain CleanOut events. Check paint quantity limits with your local council before you go.
Vapes note: Vapes are collected as part of the Embedded Batteries Trial, which ends in September 2026. Check with your Council if this applies to your local CleanOut event in Regional NSW.
Items not accepted: Some materials are not accepted at CleanOut events. Check the EPA website for the current exclusions list before attending.
Who can use this cleanout service?
CleanOut events in Sydney, Illawarra, and Hunter are open to all NSW residents. Events in regional NSW may have restrictions: contact the host council first to confirm whether residents from your council area are eligible.
Businesses are not eligible. Business-related and commercial quantities of chemicals are not accepted. For business hazardous waste, contact a commercial waste operator or visit businessrecycling.com.au.
On-site: For safety, you must remain in your vehicle at all times. Waste containers will be collected by staff and cannot be returned.
Tips to store and transport your unwanted chemicals
Handle and transport chemicals carefully:
- Never mix chemicals. Mixing can produce dangerous reactions.
- Keep chemicals in their original containers wherever possible.
- Label containers clearly. If you do not know the contents, write "unknown chemical" on the container.
- Wrap liquid containers securely in newspaper, place them in sturdy plastic bags, then put them in a plastic bucket or tray to catch any leaks.
- Keep chemicals away from passengers. Place them in the boot of your car.
What if I can't make a CleanOut event?
If there is a Community Recycling Centre (CRC) near you, it accepts most of the same materials year-round and you do not need to wait for a scheduled CleanOut event.
If there is no CRC in your area, the CleanOut event is the main option.
Use the EPA's map at epa.nsw.gov.au to search for your nearest CRC or upcoming CleanOut event by suburb.
Upcoming Sydney event (at time of writing): Blacktown Chemical CleanOut, Saturday 31 October 2026, 9am to 3:30pm, Sydney Motorsport Park, Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek. Check the EPA website for the full Sydney July to December 2026 schedule, as more dates are listed.
Battery disposal note: Do not put batteries in your general rubbish bin. Drop batteries off at a supermarket, hardware store, CRC, or CleanOut event.
Common questions
Can I take methylated spirits to a Household Chemical CleanOut?
Yes. Methylated spirits fall under "solvents and household cleaners," which are accepted at CleanOut events up to 20 litres per container. For more detail on disposing of methylated spirits safely, see our guide: How to dispose of methylated spirits.
Can businesses use the Household Chemical CleanOut service?
No. Business-related and commercial quantities of chemicals are not accepted. Businesses should contact a commercial waste operator or visit businessrecycling.com.au.
Is the Household Chemical CleanOut really free?
Yes. It is a free service run by the NSW EPA in partnership with local councils, open to all NSW household residents.
What if my item is over 20 litres or 20 kilograms?
Items over the 20L/20kg per-item limit are not accepted at CleanOut events. For oversized or larger quantities, you will need to contact a licensed commercial waste operator.
Do I need to get out of my car at the drop-off?
No. These are drive-thru events. You stay in your vehicle and staff collect the containers from you.
Need something collected that the CleanOut won't take?
Household Chemical CleanOut events do not accept items over 20 litres or 20 kg. If you have a larger clear-out, furniture, white goods, or general rubbish alongside your chemicals, a professional junk removal service can handle the non-hazardous items in one visit. Paul's Rubbish Removal covers Sydney metro: call 0407 125 125 or see our rubbish removal service for same-day bookings (book before 10am).
