How to dispose of hazardous material

Proper disposal of hazardous materials is essential to protect our environment, waterways and community health.

Council provides guidance and facilities to help residents safely dispose of items such as batteries, chemicals, paint, gas bottles and e-waste.

Asbestos

Asbestos is hazardous waste and must be handled and disposed of properly to prevent health risks. Illegal disposal (in bins, reuse or dumping) is strictly prohibited.

Where to Dispose of Asbestos

Weight Disposal location Requirements
Up to 175kg Paget Waste Management Centre No booking required, must be wrapped and labelled
More than 175kg Hogan’s Pocket Landfill

Pre-booking required, transported by a regulated waste carrier

Transport Rules

  • Residential (Up to 175kg): No permits required but must be safely wrapped.
  • Over 175kg: Hire a licensed contractor or comply with waste transport laws (EA & WTC required for 250kg+).
  • Commercial: A Waste Tracking Certificate (WTC) is required for all loads.

Preparation and Disposal Process

  • Double-wrap or bag in 200-micron plastic, seal with adhesive tape and label as asbestos.
  • Paget Waste Management Centre accepts loads up to 175kg, seven days a week (6.15am – 5.45pm).
  • Self-unloading required – plan ahead for handling.

DrumMUSTER – Farm Chemical Container Recycling

DrumMUSTER is a national environmental program for collecting and recycling empty farm chemical containers. The program is fully funded by a levy paid by users and reimbursed to collection agencies.

Eligibility and Cleaning Requirements

  • Only containers with a DrumMUSTER logo are accepted.
  • Containers must be triple rinsed, including the cap and thread and left to air dry.

Collection Sites

Location Address Bookings required?
Bloomsbury Rural Transfer Station Bloomsbury Back Road, Bloomsbury No
Gargett Rural Transfer Station Dump Road, Gargett No
Kolijo Rural Transfer Station Pelion Road, Kolijo No
Paget Waste Management Centre (via resource recovery drop-off 42 Crichtons Road, South Paget No (7am – 5pm daily, except public holidays)
Sarina Waste Management Centre Brooks Road, Sarina No
Seaforth Transfer Station Yakapari-Seaforth Road, Seaforth No

For more details, visit DrumMUSTER.

Used Domestic Motor Oil Disposal

Residents can safely dispose of up to 20 litres of used domestic motor oil at designated waste facilities across the Mackay region.

Used motor oil can be dropped off at the following locations free of charge:

  • Paget Waste Management Centre
  • Bloomsbury Rural Transfer Station
  • Kolijo Rural Transfer Station
  • Seaforth Transfer Station
  • Hay Point Transfer Station
  • Sarina Transfer Station
  • Koumala Transfer Station
  • Eungella Transfer Station
  • Gargett Transfer Station
  • Otterburn Rural Transfer Station

Residents are encouraged to check waste facility locations and opening times before visiting.

For further information, contact council at 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Paintback Collection Facility

Residents and tradies can safely dispose of unwanted paint and paint tins at the resource recovery drop-off area at Paget free of charge.

Accepted volumes and conditions

  • Up to 100 litres per vehicle per visit
  • Containers must be 20 litres or smaller

This service helps ensure responsible paint disposal and supports recycling initiatives.

For more details, contact council at 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

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