Hazardous waste disposal
Major problems to the sewerage pipes on your property can be caused by washing or flushing non-decomposable items down the sink or toilet, including hazardous household waste.
Disposing of hazardous household waste safely
Hazardous household waste includes everyday products such as bleach, oven cleaners, mineral turpentine and paints that you get from the supermarket or hardware store. These materials can be flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic and should not be flushed down the sink.
To help prevent blockages to the Queensland Urban Utilities network, here are some helpful tips on how to dispose of hazardous waste responsibly.
What can be flushed down the toilet or sink?
After mixing the following chemicals with lots of water, you can put small quantities of these products through your toilet or sink. Never put these chemicals into septic tanks or down stormwater drains because they will harm the environment.
- Aftershaves, perfumes, hair care products, and other lotions
- Medicines (past use by date)
- Drain cleaner/disinfectant*
- Window and ammonia based cleaners*
- Antifreeze*
What not to flush:
- Disposable nappies
- Cotton wool, ear buds
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Chux (dish cloths)
- Tissues
- Solid objects (e.g. toys)
- Razor blades, syringes and medical
- Dressings
What not to put down the sink:
- Oil and grease
- Food stuffs (e.g. from garbage disposal units)
- Tea leaves and coffee grinds
- Paints, pesticides and other chemicals*
The above non-decomposable household materials should be disposed off by rubbish bin. Small amounts of liquid, such as paint, can be dried and solidified by adding a material to soak up the liquid such as kitty litter, soil or grass clippings.
Alternatively, pour liquids onto newspaper and cover them with absorbent material. Empty paint tins with minimal paint residue can be recycled and placed in your recycled bin.
Further information is available through your local council.
*You can only put small amounts of household hazardous waste in your bin