Learn about a free service for safely disposing of household hazardous waste. Learn which items are accepted and locate your nearest drop off facility.
Find on this page:
- The importance of correct disposal
- About the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program
- Materials accepted / not accepted
- Find your nearest HHW facility
- Safe storage and transporting of waste
- More information and contact
The importance of correct disposal
Correct disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) is essential to prevent:
- Poisoning, burns, and health hazards from ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact
- Chemical reactions, fires, or toxic fumes when HHW mixes with other substances
- Contamination of soil and groundwater if HHW leaks
- Injuries to waste collectors when HHW is improperly disposed in household bins
- Environmental pollution when HHW is disposed of in landfills
- Damage to waste management equipment or infrastructure from fires or entanglement.
Proper disposal of HHW ensures community safety and environmental protection.
About the Household Hazardous Waste Program
The Household Hazardous Waste Program funded by the Waste Authority offers a convenient and free service for residents to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and hazardous materials at hazardous waste facilities across the state. There is no charge for this service, with a limit of 20kg or litres per material type on some items.
Residents across WA can use this service; you do not need to be a resident of the local government managing the facility.
Important note: This service is for residential hazardous waste only - no business waste is accepted.
By promoting responsible handling and recycling of hazardous materials, this initiative contributes to community safety and environmental sustainability.
Materials accepted / not accepted
Accepted
- Acids and alkalis
- Aerosols
- Batteries - household (tape terminals)
- Batteries – lithium ion (not embedded batteries or electrical vehicle (EV) batteries)
- Engine coolants and glycols
- Fire extinguishers - non halon (red) only
- Flammables
- Flares
- Fluorescent lamps and tubes (CFLs)
- Gas cylinders (small household)
- Household chemicals and cleaners
- Paint
- Pesticides/herbicides
- Poisons/toxics
- Pool chemicals
- Smoke detectors
- Unknown chemicals.
Not accepted for free
- Asbestos
- Commercial and industrial waste
- Electronic waste (e-waste)*
- EPIRS and PLBs
- Explosives, ammunition and firearms
- Fire extinguishers - halon (yellow)
- Mobile phones*
- Motor oil and cooking oil*
- Printer cartridges/toners *
- Medications and pharmaceuticals*
- Sharps and needles
- Tyres.
*These items are accepted at specialist stores and some waste facilities for free e.g. office supply stores and chemists.
Refer to the following pages for advice on how to dispose of other items:
- Asbestos removal and disposal
- Waste disposal and recycling facilities
- Verge collection (for e-waste collection)
Find your nearest HHW drop off location
The closest HHW waste facilities to the City of Wanneroo are:
- Tamala Park (Mindarie Regional Council)
- Balcatta Recycling Centre
- Wangara Recycling Facility also accepts some of these materials.
For more information, including address and opening hours refer to Waste drop off and recycling facilities.
You can find your nearest facilities on the Recycle Right website or download the free Recycle Right app.
Specialist hazardous waste collection providers include:
- Electric vehicle (EV) batteries – Ecobatt
- EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) –Australian Maritime Safety Authority or Department of Transport
- Vapes and e-cigarettes – Perth Chemical Specialists (at cost).
Safe storage and transporting of waste
To safely handle household hazardous waste (HHW), follow these guidelines:
- Never mix chemicals: Avoid mixing different chemicals together.
- Keep out of reach: Store HHW where children and pets cannot access it.
- Handle with care: Use gloves and handle materials carefully to avoid direct contact.
- Wash hands: Always wash hands thoroughly after handling HHW.
- Keep dry and cool: Store HHW away from heat or flames in its original containers.
- Seal containers: Ensure lids are tightly closed and containers are not leaking.
- Damaged containers: If a container is damaged or leaking, place it in a larger, secure container and label it clearly.
- Secure transport: When transporting HHW, store it securely in a box or crate to prevent spills.
More information and contact
If you require further information, please call the City on (08) 9405 5000 or complete an online general enquiry form.