Time to clean out the shed: Hazardous waste drop-off day returns
Published on 14 August 2026
Gympie Regional Council is making it easier for residents to dispose of their hazardous chemicals and products by offering a free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day at Bunnings Warehouse on Saturday 22 August.
From 9am until noon, Gympie residents can safely dispose of a wide range of common household products including old paint, pool chemicals, pesticides, smoke detectors, batteries, gas cylinders and other hazardous household items. These are all items that can harm the environment or pose a safety risk if sent to landfill.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the initiative formed an important part of Council’s long-term approach to protecting the environment and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
“Council’s Waste Strategy 2025–2035 estimates the Bonnick Road Waste Management Facility will reach capacity within the coming years, which is why practical initiatives like this are so important,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“Keeping hazardous household products out of landfill helps extend the life of our current facility while giving Council valuable time to continue planning for the region’s next waste management facility, which will support the Gympie Region for at least the next 50 years.
“Throwing items like old paint, pesticides and batteries into your waste or recycling bins, or tipping them down the drain, can start fires in waste trucks and at our waste management facilities, pollute our environment and waterways, and ultimately leave ratepayers footing the bill for clean-up and repairs.
“That’s exactly why we continue to fund this service, ensuring residents have regular opportunities to safely dispose of any hazardous household waste they have accumulated at home.
“When Council held its most recent Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day in November last year, residents helped keep more than 3,000 kilograms of hazardous household waste out of landfill in just one morning. That was a fantastic effort by our community, and something I’d love to see us top this time around.
“Over the next couple of weeks, I encourage residents to have a look through their sheds, garages and cupboards for unwanted hazardous household products, then bring them along and drop them in the large bins located in the Bunnings Warehouse car park.
“It’s a simple step that helps protect our waterways, wildlife and the environment while also making your home safer.”
For more information, visit: Household Hazardous Waste Free Drop Off Day - 22 August 2026 | Gympie Regional Council
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 22 August 2026
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Bunnings Warehouse Gympie, 5 Hall Road, Gympie
Cost: Free
ENDS