Safe handling of toxic household items
Follow these tips to safely buy, store, use and dispose of toxic items at home.
Buying chemicals
Be a smart consumer by:
- rethinking your purchases of toxic household chemicals – choose the least dangerous and toxic product
- understanding what you are purchasing by asking the retailer or manufacturer and checking warnings on the label.
- finding out how you can dispose of any leftover product that you don't use
- only purchasing what you need
- asking family and friends if they need what you have left over.
Handling and storing chemicals
Never mix chemicals during use or storage, as they may react.
Handling chemicals safely
Handle chemicals carefully and avoid direct contact. Wear gloves and protective clothing where possible.
Wash your hands after handling chemicals.
Clean up any spilled chemical after use.
Store chemicals safely
Check labels for correct storage advice. Some chemicals must not be stored together. For example, keep corrosive chemicals, such as battery acid, away from poisons.
Store chemicals out of reach of children and animals. If possible, store chemicals in a locked cupboard or storage unit.
Keep chemicals out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat, sparks, flames or ignition.
Do not store chemicals near food storage areas.
If you can, keep liquid chemicals away from (or stored below) dry chemicals.
Keep oxidising agents, such as peroxide, away from all other materials.
Pool chemicals can be particularly dangerous when stored incorrectly. Two groups of swimming pool chemicals (oxidisers and corrosives) are highly reactive and need particular care.
Safe Work Australia has advice about storing pool chemicals.
Storage containers and labels
Keep chemicals in their original containers. Make sure they are tightly closed.
Label chemicals that are not in their original container. If you do not know what the chemical is, label it as 'unknown’. Never guess the chemical’s name.
Regularly check chemical containers are in good condition. If a container is damaged or leaking, place it within a larger, empty container with a tightly fitting lid and label the outer container with its contents.
Do not store chemicals in containers resembling food or drink packaging.
Some household products, such as detergents and soap powders may be repackaged safely into smaller containers if the original packaging is damaged or broken.
Disposing of chemicals
Never dispose of chemicals in your rubbish bin or drain. If you're unable to immediately dispose of household chemicals, make sure you safely store them until you can.
Many chemicals around the home can be safely disposed of at our free Detox Your Home events across Victoria. Registration is required.
