Household Chemical CleanOut

Household chemicals—such as cleaning products, motor oil and pesticides—can harm human health and the environment if placed in your bins or poured down the drain.

CleanOut events are held twice each year in Newcastle, and at other locations across NSW on specified dates. NSW residents can make use of any event, free of charge.

When is the next CleanOut?

The next event in Newcastle will be held on:

Date: Saturday 5 April 2025
Time: 9am to 3.30pm
Location: Newcastle TAFE Student Car Park, 266 Maitland Road (opposite Henry Street), Tighes Hill


CleanOut events are free of charge for all NSW residents to dispose of household quantities of chemicals.

Business-related and commercial quantities of chemicals are not accepted. Please enquire with a commercial service provider, such as Cleanaway, or visit Business Recycling for disposal options. Please note, fees may apply to use these services.

You can drop off:

  • Solvents and household cleaners
  • Floor care products
  • Ammonia-based cleaners
  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Poisons
  • Pool chemicals
  • Hobby chemicals
  • Motor fuels
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Paint-related products, such as paint stripper and turpentine

You can also drop off the same items accepted everyday at the Summerhill Community Recycling Centre:

  • Paint
  • Motor oils and cooking oils
  • Gas bottles
  • Fire extinguishers
  • ​Car and household batteries
  • Vapes
  • Fluorescent globes and tubes
  • Smoke detectors

Only household quantities (up to 20 litres or 20 kilograms) of each item are accepted. An exception is made for paint, where up to 100 litres (in 20-litre containers) is permitted at CleanOut events.

Please handle and transport your chemicals carefully.

  • Never mix chemicals, as this may produce dangerous reactions.
  • Wherever possible, keep all chemicals in their original containers.
  • Ensure containers are clearly labelled and well-sealed. If you do not know the contents, label the container 'unknown chemical'.
  • Liquid can leak during transport: wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper, place in sturdy plastic bags and then in plastic buckets or trays.
  • Keep household chemicals away from passengers, for example, by placing them in the boot of your car.

For further information about the free service, and upcoming events in other local government areas, visit Household Chemical CleanOut or call the Environment Line on 131 555.