Household hazardous waste refers to the chemicals used in and around the home that are flammable, toxic, explosive, or corrosive. The average Australian home stores many hazardous substances including everyday household items such as bleach or other cleaning solvents, as well as garden and pool chemicals.

It is dangerous to dispose of household hazardous waste in your general rubbish or recycling bin. These chemicals can cause fires in bins and garbage trucks, creating a safety hazard for truck drivers, the general community, and the environment.

Circular North is committed to facilitating the safe disposal of household hazardous waste across northern Tasmania, working closely with local councils and the community. During designated collection times, residents can responsibly dispose of items such as pesticides, chemicals, and flammable materials that pose risks to health, wildlife, and the environment if not handled properly.

Key components of the project include:

• Free community collection events: These events provide residents with a free and safe disposal option for materials that cannot typically be accepted at waste transfer stations. With the support of a qualified chemist, storage and transport provider, hazardous waste is packaged and transported to be disposed of safely, following appropriate environmental procedures.
• Educational outreach: Informing the public about the dangers of incorrect hazardous waste disposal, such as the contamination of soil, water, and air. This initiative also promotes practices that reduce fire risks and prevent accidental poisonings in households.
• Environmental and public safety benefits: Proper disposal of hazardous materials helps preserve Tasmania's unique ecosystems, safeguarding our natural resources from chemical contamination and reducing the volume of hazardous waste ending up in landfills.

By participating in household hazardous waste collections, Tasmanians contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future, reinforcing Circular North's vision of transforming waste management into a proactive, community-driven effort toward zero waste​​.