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Safely dispose of household chemicals at CleanOut events in October

Bega Valley Shire residents will once again have the chance to safely dispose of unwanted and potentially hazardous chemicals, with free Household Chemical CleanOut events returning this October.

paint can.

7 October 2025

Bega Valley Shire residents will once again have the chance to safely dispose of unwanted and potentially hazardous chemicals, with free Household Chemical CleanOut events returning this October.

The NSW Government’s CleanOut program provides a safe and convenient way to dispose of a wide range of household chemicals that could pose a risk to human health or the environment if not handled properly.

Council’s Waste Education Officer, Rebecca Bruce said the events are a valuable opportunity for residents to clean out their homes, sheds and garages.

“A lot of people aren’t sure what to do with things like old paint or garden chemicals, so the products end up sitting in the shed or laundry cupboard for years,” Ms Bruce said.

“Over time, these items can become a health hazard or leak into the environment.

“This program gives people a safe, responsible and free way to clean out those cupboards without sending toxic waste to landfill or keeping it stored where it could spill or cause harm.”

Ms Bruce said it’s important to transport chemicals carefully to keep everyone safe.

“Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions.

“Always keep them in clearly labelled, sealed containers, and if you’re not sure what’s inside label it as ‘unknown chemical’.

“Liquids can leak in transit, so wrap containers in newspaper and plastic bags and carry them in your car boot or tray, away from passengers.”

Event Dates and Locations: 

Eden
Eden Waste and Recycling Centre, Princes Highway
Saturday 18 October from 8am to 11am

Pambula
Merimbola Street Carpark
Saturday 18 October from 1pm to 4pm 

Bega
Bega Saleyards, Kerrisons Lane
Sunday 19 October from 8am to 11am 

Bermagui
Bermagui Waste and Recycling Centre, Strudwicks Road
Sunday 19 October from 1pm to 4pm

You can drop off the following materials:

From your home: solvents, household cleaners, floor care products, ammonia-based cleaners, cooking oil, smoke detectors, and fluorescent globes and tubes. 

From your garage: paint, paint-related products, pesticides, herbicides, poisons, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, pool chemicals, hobby chemicals, acids and alkalis. 

From your car: car batteries, motor oils, fuels and fluids. 

CleanOut events accept household quantities only, up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms per item.

Thanks to the Paintback initiative, trade painters can also drop off up to 100 litres of paint.

Business-related and commercial quantities are not accepted at CleanOut events. To find out the correct disposal methods for businesses, call the Environment Line on 131 555.

Household quantities of items such as paint, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, motor and cooking oil, car and household batteries, small items with embedded batteries, smoke detectors and fluorescent tubes or globes can be dropped off for free at the Merimbula Waste and Recycling Centre all year round.

For more information on the Household Chemical Cleanout service, visit Council’s website.

Making an enquiry

All media enquiries and interview requests are coordinated by Council's Communication and Engagement team under the adopted Communications Policy. To view this policy, visit Public Policies and search 'communications'.

To submit a media enquiry or to request an interview:

Councillors

Councillors can be contacted directly for enquiries regarding decisions of the elected Council and non-operational matters. Interviews with the Mayor should be arranged through the Communication and Engagement team contact details above.

Receiving information

If you’re a journalist or media organisation that would like to receive media releases and notifications about media opportunities, please email your name, title and contact details to media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and we will add you to our distribution list.

You can also subscribe to Bega Valley Together and Business News, Council's fortnightly e-newsletters, or follow @begavalleyshirecouncil on Facebook  and Instagram.

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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