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Chemicals

Did you know? 

The average home today contains more chemicals than were found in a typical chemistry lab at the turn of the century and more than 300 man-made chemicals have been found in human bodies. The full extent of the health risk is unclear.

Thousands of litres of unused paint are being disposed of every year in NSW. By making some simple changes in the way you buy and use chemicals at home, you can reduce negative environmental impact.

What can I do? 

Inside the home

Do you know what effects cleaning products you buy have on your health?

Have you explored the many non-toxic products available?

Have you thought about how you can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals?

Easy ways to make a difference:

1. Reduce the use of household chemicals by buying less, using less and looking for safer alternatives
2. Store household chemicals safely – ensure containers are clearly labelled and out of the reach of children
3. Use water-based paints – only buy enough for the job at hand to avoid unnecessary wastage
4. Use non-toxic ways to repel pests
5. Don't pour unwanted oils and chemicals into drains, toilets or where they may end up in our waterways
6. Take unwanted household chemicals to a free Household Chemical Collection event in your local area
7. If there is no alternative, wrap unwanted chemical containers in several layers of newspaper and then seal in a plastic bag before disposing in the garbage bin
8. Take unwanted medicines to any pharmacy for free and safe disposal
9. Dispose of old mobile phones and their batteries through a recycling program
10. Never put chemicals in the recycling bin – they could end up harming the people who sort through these materials, contaminate the recyclable materials, or end up in landfill, which can harm the environment
11. Never mix chemicals – they could react with one another and produce fumes, which could make you ill

Outside the home

Have you chosen the least toxic product for the job?

Are there any toxic pesticides, herbicides, baits, poisons or wood preservatives in your shed that are no longer needed or have been replaced with safer products?

Have you thought of the benefits of organic gardening? Using compost and companion planting can eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides in the garden.

Easy ways to make a difference:

1. Use paints, varnishes and glues with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or those that are water-based
2. Always keep paint tins sealed properly when in storage to prevent spilling or drying out
3. Donate unwanted paint to a community group or someone who can use it
4. Take your unwanted pesticides, herbicides, hobby chemicals and poisons to a Household Chemical Collection event in your area or call your local council
5. Change your gardening habits – go organic to minimise the use of pesticides and herbicides
6. Take your used motor oils, fuels and fluids to a participating service station or mechanic for recycling
7. Use mouse or rat traps to get rid of rodents – instead of using baits
8. Try less toxic treatments to help keep fleas at bay
9. Wear protective clothing and a mask when handling chemicals, if recommended
10. Give your unwanted pool chemicals to a friend or neighbour – take to a chemical collection as a last option