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Waste and chemical disposal

‘Waste’ is made up of general waste, such as household waste, and regulated waste which requires a higher level of management to prevent harm to the environment or human health.

We are working with industry and the community to develop a new, industry-led waste strategy. The review of the current strategy is driven by the repeal of the industry waste levy.

If you suspect someone of conducting unlicensed waste transport, storage, disposal or recycling activities please contact the Community Response Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372, or email PollutionHotline@des.qld.gov.au with as much of the following information as possible:

  • name of alleged offender or business name
  • contact details of alleged offender (phone, email, website, number plate)
  • location of suspected illegal waste activity
  • type of suspected illegal waste activity
  • your contact details (phone, name, email).

Reports can be made anonymously.

Disposing of chemicals and containers

When disposing of chemicals and containers:

  • check the label for advice on disposal of chemicals or containers
  • triple rinse empty containers to remove all traces of the chemical
  • uncap, puncture and crush all rinsed containers—do not burn them
  • ask your local government authority about collection requirements.

The chosen disposal site should:

  • have a depth between 50cm and 1m
  • be located to avoid contaminating homes, underground water, surface water, crops or livestock
  • be level, preferably with a clay liner and have lime spread across the bottom
  • have a heavy duty plastic pit liner where there is risk that chemicals may leak

Drums, other packages and containers marked 'returnable' should be returned to the supplier.

DrumMuster provides more information about drum disposal.

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Relation information

Last updated:
16 September 2015
Last reviewed:
31 January 2024
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