Household Hazardous Waste

Supporting safe handling and disposal of household hazardous waste

Household hazardous waste (HHW) refers to the products used in and around the home that are flammable, toxic, explosive or corrosive. If not disposed of correctly, HHW can pose a threat to human health and the environment.

The HHW Program provides funding to assist with the storage, transport, treatment and recovery of HHW, collected by the local governments and regional councils listed below. It is funded by the Waste Authority through the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Levy, and is administered by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA).

This program supports a key headline strategy in the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 Action Plan (Action 1.7). 

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program has nine metropolitan and six regional permanent facilities where householders can drop off unwanted household chemicals at no charge.  

Permanent collection facilities

Metropolitan
Non-Metropolitan

Items that can be dropped off

The HHW Program ONLY accepts domestic waste. There is a limit of 20kg or litres per material type.
The following waste materials are covered under the HHW Program:  

  • Acids
  • Aerosols – CFC based
  • Aerosols, flammable – paint and lacquers
  • Aerosols, flammable - pesticide
  • Alkali
  • Arsenic based products
  • Batteries - household, dry cell
  • Cyanides
  • Engine coolants and glycols
  • Fire extinguishers – non-Halon
  • Flammable liquids – hydrocarbons and fuels
  • Flammable solids
  • Flares
  • Fluorescent tubes, CFL and light fittings
  • Gas cylinders – other
  • Gas cylinders – propane
  • General household chemicals eg cleaners
  • Heavy metal compounds
  • Inorganic oxidising agents – eg pool chlorine
  • Low level radioactive substances eg smoke detectors
  • Mercury – elemental
  • Organic peroxides
  • Paint – metal based
  • Paint – other, including isocyanates and amines
  • Paint – recyclable
  • Paint – solvent based, including resins and adhesives
  • Paint – water based
  • PCB materials
  • Pesticides – non Schedule X
  • Pesticides – Schedule X
  • Solvents – halogenated
  • Toxics
  • Most HHW facilities will accept 'unknown chemicals' if they are in a secure, sealed, chemical-resistant container.

Items that can't be dropped off

The following waste materials are NOT covered under the HHW Program:

  • asbestos
  • used motor oil
  • pharmaceuticals
  • sharps
  • halon fire extinguishers
  • other types of gas cylinders (eg automotive LPG cylinders, large household cylinders)
  • tyres
  • e-waste
  • EPIRBs or PLBs
  • mobile phones
  • printer cartridges
  • batteries – lead acid
  • explosives (other than flares), ammunition or fire arms
  • empty chemical containers or drums
  • any material from non-domestic sources (eg agricultural, commercial, veterinary or industrial waste)
  • size of containers over 20 kilogram or 20 litres 

Transporting tips

Safety tips for transporting household hazardous wastes

It is important to take the following precautions when transporting household hazardous wastes:

  • Always handle hazardous wastes carefully - avoid direct contact with your skin and wear gloves.
  • Place hazardous waste containers in plastic tubs or trays to capture any spills or leaks.
  • Keep corrosive chemicals away from poisons.
  • Place containers in the corner of your boot and pack the sides so they will not tip or roll around.
  • If transporting in a hatch back car keep at least one window open for ventilation.
  • If possible, do not transport hazardous wastes with children or animals in the car.
  • Double wrap old containers in leak-proof plastic bags.
  • At the hazardous waste depot ask for assistance from the depot staff to remove your hazardous wastes from the car.
  • If you have any hazardous wastes with labels that are not readable, and you know the contents, place a note on the container. This will help the council safely dispose of the hazardous waste.
  • Advise depot staff of any containers with unknown contents.

For further advice about transporting any household hazardous wastes please contact your local council.

Disclaimer

The Waste Authority and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation do not own or operate the household hazardous waste facilities listed, or guarantee or accept any legal liability whatsoever arising from, or connected to, the reliability and completeness of the information provided above.

For further information on the Household Hazardous Waste Program please contact WALGA's Project Coordinator:

MWAC Project Coordinator
Western Australian Local Government Association
ONE70, Level 1, 170 Railway Parade, West Leederville, 6007
PO Box 1544 West Perth WA 6872
Tel: +61 8 9213 2000  Fax: +61 8 9322 2611
Website: www.wastenet.net.au

For more information about the program in your area please contact your local council.

Related links

Read the most recent Household Hazardous Waste Program's annual report. Historic reports are also available.

Created Date:
Mon 9 September 2019

Last Edit Date:
Thu 27 July 2023