Tools for safe and responsible chemical disposal

ChemClear is a national product stewardship program, run by Agsafe, designed to collect and safely dispose of unwanted or obsolete agricultural and veterinary chemicals. The program helps farmers, landholders, and businesses manage chemical waste responsibly and in compliance with environmental standards.

ChemClear is available to all users of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, including:

• Farmers and primary producers

• AgVet chemical retailers

• Pest control managers

• Golf courses and horticultural businesses

• Local and state government agencies

• Anyone with unwanted AgVet chemicals is encouraged to register for a ChemClear collection.

You can register your chemicals through our register chemicals webpage, calling our free hotline 1800 008 182, or by downloading, completing, and emailing or posting the ChemClear inventory form to chemclear@agsafe.org.au or GPO Box 816, Canberra City.

No, chemicals are categorised into two groups.

Group 1 chemicals: These chemicals are eligible for free collection if they meet the following criteria.

• In original containers with intact labels

• Manufactured by participating drumMUSTER companies

• Registered or deregistered within the last two years

• Within two years of the chemical’s expiration date

• Not held by distributors or AgVet stores as unwanted inventory

Group 2 chemicals: These chemicals may still be collected but incur a disposal fee.

• No longer registered for use (exceeding 2 years from de-registration)

• Unknown

• Unlabelled

• Expired (exceeding 2 years from expiration date)

• Mixed AgVet chemicals

• Chemicals from non-participating manufacturers

A quotation will be provided for the disposal of Group 2 chemicals before the collection is scheduled.

ChemClear conducts state-wide and regional collections every 2-3 years, depending on demand. Collection events are organised when enough chemicals are registered in a specific region. ChemClear also operates permanent drop-off sites in NSW, QLD, VIC, and WA for more frequent disposal options.

After registration:

• You will receive a reference number for each registered chemical.

• Storage stickers will be sent to you, displaying your reference numbers for easy identification.

• ChemClear will contact you when a collection event is scheduled in your area, providing details of the date, location, and time for drop-off.

Around 98% of the chemicals collected by ChemClear are repurposed as an alternative fuel source for industrial processes, such as cement manufacturing. The remaining 2%, which includes highly hazardous chemicals, are treated using specialised technologies like Plasma Arc or stabilised for secure landfilling. All disposal is conducted in compliance with Environmental Protection Authority guidelines.

You are responsible for transporting your chemicals to the designated ChemClear collection point. Always use a ute or truck—never a car boot—to transport chemicals. Ensure incompatible chemicals are separated, and containers are properly sealed. Always wear protective clothing and follow safety guidelines during transport.

Participating in ChemClear helps you:

• Protect the environment by preventing hazardous chemicals from contaminating soil and water.

• Reduce safety risks related to storing old or unwanted chemicals.

• Meet compliance requirements for farm management and quality assurance programs.

• Contribute to sustainability efforts and create a safer environment for your community.

You can register anytime—early registration helps ChemClear determine the demand for a collection in your area. Even if a collection is not immediately scheduled, your registration will help prompt future events and ensure that you’re notified once a collection is arranged.

ChemClear is for the disposal of unwanted chemicals, while drumMUSTER provides a recycling program for clean, empty AgVet chemical containers. Unwanted chemicals are collected under ChemClear, while clean containers from these chemicals are eligible for return under drumMUSTER, provided they are properly rinsed.

Yes, unknown or unlabelled chemicals can be registered under Group 2. These will incur a disposal fee. It is important to provide as much detail as possible when registering these chemicals to ensure safe handling.

If you missed the booking deadline for a collection, you should still register your chemicals. Your registration will be logged, and you will be notified when the next collection is scheduled in your region.

For most users, there is no set limit on the volume of unwanted chemicals you can register with ChemClear. However, AgVet retailers are subject to a limit of 40 litres per year for Group 1 chemical registrations.

If an AgVet retailer registers more than 40 litres, any volume above this threshold will automatically be classified as Group 2, even if the product would normally qualify as Group 1.

Despite this limit, we strongly encourage AgVet retailers to register all unwanted chemicals—regardless of volume.

The disposal of Group 1 chemicals is free of charge. However, Group 2 chemicals require a disposal fee, which varies depending on the type and quantity of the chemicals. You will receive a quote for this fee when you register your chemicals.

The cost to dispose of Group 2 chemicals through ChemClear typically ranges from around $10 to $100 per litre. The exact cost depends on factors such as the type of chemical and the quantity being disposed of. To get a more precise estimate, it is recommended to register your chemicals with ChemClear, and our team will provide detailed pricing based on your specific situation.