Household hazardous waste (HHW) includes unwanted household products that are flammable, corrosive or explosive. They are unsafe to place in any kerbside bin. If not disposed of properly, HHW can be harmful to you, your pets or the environment.
The WMRC offers a drop-off service for certain types of hazardous waste. You do not need to be a local or member council resident to take advantage of this free drop-off service. Container sizes and quantities up to 20kg or 20L per material type will be accepted free of charge, per person, per visit. Items not accepted by WMRC are outlined in the Materials Not Accepted by the WMRC table below.
Accepted items include:
- Acids
- Aerosols
- Alkalis
- Batteries (lead-acid and dry-cell)
- Compact fluorescent lights and tubes
- Cyanides
- Engine coolants and glycols
- Fire extinguishers (non-halon only)
- Flammable liquids (e.g. fuels and hydrocarbons)
- Flammable solids
- Flares
- Gas cylinders (small household)
- General household chemicals (e.g. cleaning products)
- Heavy metal compounds
- Inorganic oxidising agents (e.g. pool chlorine)
- Mercury (e.g. thermometers)
- Organic peroxides
- Paint
- PCB materials
- Pesticides
- Smoke detectors
- Solvents
- Unknown chemicals (must be in sealed, chemical resistant containers)
Please note:
The WMRC can only accept household quantities of hazardous waste. If you have items for disposal / recycling not listed above or have commercial quantities, please refer to table below.
As HHW is toxic, flammable or corrosive, it needs to be handled properly. For safe storage and transporting tips, see the Household Hazardous Waste Brochure
Asbestos is classified as Problematic Waste and is not covered by the HHW drop-off scheme, however it can be disposed of at the WMRC for a small fee. Please see our guidelines on how to prepare your asbestos for disposal.
Materials NOT accepted at WMRC include:
Material | Where to find more information on disposal options |
Pharmaceuticals and Medications | Drop-off to local pharmacy for free under the RUM Project. |
Nickel Cadmium solar storage batteries | Contact Toxfree for a quote on collection. |
Sharps and Needles | Visit Safe Sharps for collection sites. |
Halon (Yellow) Fire Extinguishers | The National Halon Bank operates a free call service to advise on disposal: Call 1800 658 084 |
Explosives (other than Flares) | Contact WA Police for disposal 131 444 |
Ammunition or Firearms | Drop off at a local Police Station for free disposal |
Commercial Chemicals or Quantities (containers over 20kg / 20L | ChemClear provides a collection and disposal service for users of agricultural and veterinary chemicals e.g. . primary producers, agricultural and veterinary businesses, pest control managers, forestry, Local and State Government, golf courses, and any other users. Please contact them for more information. For other materials from non-domestic sources, please contact Toxfree for a quote on collection and disposal. |
Questions? Call the Recycling Hotline (08) 9384 6711