Why are Chemicals a problem?
Chemicals are everywhere in the products we use everyday, and in the bottles, jars and cans we have stored around the house and garden. Some chemicals are useful and don't harm humans or the environment, but others are very toxic and require special handling and disposal.

What chemicals do you have?
Have you ever thought carefully about the chemicals you have stored around the house? If you were to list the products you use in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and garden shed, the chances are there would be at least 20 different kinds such as:

• Paint and paint-related products (thinners, strippers, varnish, etc.);
• Pesticides and herbicides (fungicides, baits/poisons, wood preservatives);
• Solvents and household cleaners;
• Motor oils and fuels;
• Batteries;
• Gas bottles;
• Fire extinguishers;
• Pool chemicals;
• Acids and alkalis; or
• Hobby chemicals (photography chemicals, etc.).
  
  All of these, and many others, need special storage and should be disposed of safely through services like the Department of Environment and Climate Change's chemical CleanOut program.
  
  Other items that require special disposal include:
  • Unwanted medicines which should be taken to any pharmacy for free and safe disposal - visit Return Unwanted Medicines or call 02 8920 3555; and
  • Old mobile phones and their batteries - visit Mobile Muster or call 1300 730 070
    
    Safety Tips - Taking care of ourselves and the environment
    • Never mix any chemicals together - they may react with one another and produce fumes that can make you ill.
    • Try to keep all chemicals in their original containers.
    • Ensure containers are clearly labelled and well sealed. If you do not know what is in the container, label it "unknown chemical".
    • Never put chemicals in the recycling - they can harm the people who sort through the materials, contaminate the recycling and ultimately end-up in landfill, where they can cause harm to the environment.
    • Always keep chemicals out of the reach of children - 76% of child medicine poisoning cases occur in the home .
      
      In 2005-06 the NSW Poisons Information Centre received more than 250 calls nationally per week relating to child poisoning. One in three of these phone calls involved children aged 2-3 years.
      
      In 2002-03, there were 4,026 hospitalisations of NSW residents for unintentional poisoning, and around one in six (16.0%) of these were children aged 0-4 years. For more information on children and poisons visit the Westmead Children's Hospital Website: www.chw.edu.au.
      
      Safe Disposal
      What should you do with your unwanted or leftover chemicals? Call the Environment Line on 131 555 to find out about the CleanOut program. CleanOut is a NSW Department of the Environment and Climate Change program that provides drop-off centres for old or leftover household chemicals.
      
      CleanOut regularly services the Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter areas. Contact your local council or visit www.cleanout.com.au to find out details for the next chemical collection.
      
      When you transport your chemicals to the facility or collection point remember to:
      • Wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper and place them into sturdy plastic bags, then pack in plastic buckets or trays.
      • Keep household chemicals away from passengers, e.g. in the boot.
        
        Reduce
        You can reduce the amount of chemicals you are exposed to by:
        • Opening your windows instead of using air fresheners;
        • Using environmentally friendly cleaning products - see the Department of Environment and Climate Change's Easy Guide to Natural Cleaning;
        • Buying soap, shampoos and cosmetics that don't contain synthetic fragrances;
        • Using water-based paints, varnishes and glues;
        • Using citronella to keep the bugs away;
        • Trying organic or natural paints made from plants oils; and
        • Reducing the use of pesticides in the garden.
          
          
          Sources:
          WSN Environmental Solutions
          
          Return Unwanted Medicines
          
          NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change
          
          Westmead Childrens Hospital