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ChemClear collection in the Southern Downs

ChemClear is holding an upcoming collection event to help you responsibly dispose of unwanted or expired agricultural chemicals. Proper disposal is vital for farm safety and environmental protection. The cut-off date to register your chemicals for this collection is Friday, 12 September 2025.

Storing outdated or cancelled chemicals can create serious safety and environmental hazards. The ChemClear program makes it easy to remove these chemicals from your farm or business and dispose of them responsibly.

How it works

1. Inventory your chemicals: Make a list of all your unwanted or outdated agricultural chemicals, noting details like product name, container size, and the condition of each item. This will help ensure everything is ready for registration.
2. Register your chemicals: Register your chemicals online at agsafe.org.au or by calling their toll-free number 1800 002 182. You’ll receive a reference number, and ChemClear will classify them as Group 1 (free collection) or Group 2 (disposal fee applies).
3. Store safely: Keep your chemicals in a secure area, away from people, animals, and potential hazards. ChemClear will send you storage stickers to help label and identify your chemicals until collection day.
4. Drop off your chemicals: Once a collection is scheduled, you’ll be notified of the date, location, and time. Transport your registered chemicals to the designated collection point safely, using a ute or truck — never in the backseat or boot of a vehicle.
5. Safe disposal: ChemClear’s professional team will collect and safely dispose of your chemicals. 98% of chemicals are repurposed as an alternate fuel source for industries like cement manufacturing. The remaining 2% are treated using specialised technologies, such as Plasma Arc, or stabilised for secure landfilling. All disposal follows strict Environmental Protection Authority guidelines.

Understanding the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 chemicals

Chemicals are categorised into two groups for collection purposes:

• Group 1 chemicals: Eligible for free disposal if they are manufactured by companies participating in the drumMUSTER program, still within two years of their expiration date and in original containers with labels intact.
• Group 2 chemicals: Include those that are unlabelled, unknown, expired by more than two years, or from non-participating manufacturers. A fee applies due to the special handling required, and you’ll receive a quote before the collection date.

Why register early?

Registering your chemicals with ChemClear early ensures they’re safely disposed of during the next scheduled collection, helping reduce the risk of accidents and harm to your farm, community, and the wider environment — giving you peace of mind that you’re doing the right thing.

Visit agsafe.org.au to register your chemicals today and ensure your farm remains a safe place to work and live.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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