How to safely dispose of home and garden product containers and unwanted chemicals. 

Safe Disposal

As far as possible only make up the amount of any pesticide/chemical (weed killer, insecticide, fungicide, cleaner, etc.) you need for the task. If you have some made up pesticide left over at the end of the task it is best to use it for its purpose rather than dispose of it; e.g. go back to areas that might need a second treatment or find another area that needs treatment.

See the product Safety Data Sheets for further information on the product.

Wear appropriate protective equipment such as impervious gloves when handling and disposing of chemicals and containers.

Concentrate Containers

• Herbicide/weed killer – As far as possible use the entire contents of the container for the herbicide's purpose. Then rinse the empty container with water, disposing of the rinse water in an area of weeds being controlled. Repeat the rinse and disposal twice further. Then dispose of the container in general rubbish.
• Insecticide or fungicide - As far as possible use the entire contents of the container for the product’s purpose. Then rinse the container with water, disposing of the rinse water in a waste area of ground where it will not contaminate waterways. Repeat the rinse and disposal twice further. Then dispose of the container in general rubbish.

Rodenticides

• Rodent Bait Containers - Ensure the container is completely empty. Scrub and rinse the container and crush and bury in a suitable landfill.
• Rodent Bait - Unwanted rodent bait or old rodent bait should be disposed of by burying in a landfill.

Bags and Boxes

Bags and boxes that cannot be rinsed can be disposed of in household garbage.

Ready to Use Containers (E.g. trigger bottles)

As far as possible use the entire contents of the container for the product’s purpose. Empty Ready-to-Use containers may be disposed of in household garbage without rinsing.

Aerosols

Entirely empty the aerosol by using the product for its purpose. Check with your local council or recycling service to see if it accepts aerosol cans for recycling. Many do not, and some may want you to drop your aerosol cans somewhere different, or take some steps to prepare the can for recycling. Some may have special requirements for doing so.

Spillage

Caution: Always assess the dangers first.
Wear appropriate personal protection equipment (e.g. impervious gloves) and contain the spill. Prevent spilled chemicals from entering watercourses using an absorbent material such as cat litter or sand. Shovel up the absorbed material into a suitable container for disposal.

Unwanted Left-Over Chemicals

Most local authorities run schemes for collection and disposal of unwanted chemicals. Take your unwanted chemical to your local landfill or refuse collection depot and report your chemical to the operators for safe disposal or recycling. The chemical should have its original label for identification.

• See your council's disposal options
• See also how to safely store home and garden products.

David Brittain
Kiwicare