Most households keep old chemicals, but there are ways to dispose of them safely, writes Sarah Pickette.

Every home has one: a cupboard, shelf or corner of the garage where the nastiest of household items are stored. Leftover paint, garden sprays, broken electrical gear and fluids for the car are just a few items you might find languishing there. So, what should you do when it comes time to clean them out?

“Some products we use around the home can contain dangerous chemicals, so it's important that they're stored and disposed of properly,” says Anita Roper, CEO of Sustainability Victoria. “Pouring them down the sink or putting them in the kitchen bin means they can end up in our sewers, drains and landfill, which can cause serious damage to the environment.” Take particular care with items that have been hanging around a while, says Roper. “Some older products could contain pesticides such as DDT, dieldren and 2,4,5,-T, all of which are now banned.”

Most of us are aware that you shouldn't pour excess paint down the drain. If you have a small amount leftover, leave the lid off so the paint dries out or try using a product such as Dulux's Waste Paint Hardener.

“It solidifies water-based paint so you can easily separate it from the container, allowing the paint to be safely disposed of and the container to be put out for kerbside recycling,” says Steve Barnard, Trade Group Brand Manager for Dulux.

Almost anything with circuitry, batteries or electrics can be recycled, including cords, plugs and redundant chargers. And although used motor oil can be hazardous to the environment, it is also recyclable. Ask your mechanic if they will take it off your hands or see if your local council has a receptacle for oils and other excess vehicle fluids.

Most local councils operate regular e-waste collection days, accepting everything from broken kettles to busted children's toys. Contact your local authority to find the date of the next collection day.

In NSW, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water teams up with local councils to run weekend drop-off centres. Similar programs operate in other states; you can find out more at Planet Ark's Recycling Near You website.