Free chemical drop-off day: Time to clear out your cupboards & sheds!

Published on 21 October 2025

Containers of weedkiller and other hazardous chemicals stored in a shed.

Are you a Palmerston North resident with old chemicals hiding in your garage, garden shed or laundry cupboard? Here’s your chance to get rid of them safely and for free.

We're teaming up with 3R Group to host a free household chemical waste drop-off day on Sunday 30 November. 3R will recycle or dispose of everything collected in a safe and responsible way.

Mayor Grant Smith says it’s great to see the Council-funded event return.

“It’s awesome to bring this back for our community. We’re always looking for ways to reduce waste and keep harmful chemicals out of our landfill and waterways. This is a small but important way we can all do our part to protect the place we love and keep Palmerston North clean."

Acting Manager of Resource Recovery, Natasha Hickmott, says the event is a great opportunity to make homes safer and protect our environment.

“You might have leftover garden sprays, pool treatments or car products tucked away somewhere. These can be harmful to people, pets and the environment if they’re not stored or disposed of properly. Sometimes they even get poured down the sink or toilet, which is a real disaster for our waterways. Bring them to us instead – it’s free and easy.”

To take part, register in advance and note down how many items you’ll be dropping off. This helps make sure there’s enough space and staff to handle the waste safely. Registrations close on 23 November. Once registered, 3R will confirm your booking and provide your drop-off time and location.

Accepted items include cleaning products, garden poisons, insecticides, brake fluid, fuels and pool chemicals. You can find the full list of accepted and excluded items on the MyHazWaste website

The last chemical collection in 2023 saw more than 100 households take part and 1,300 kilograms of hazardous waste safely removed from homes.

Natasha says this was a great effort.

“It was fantastic to see so many people doing the right thing and keeping these dangerous items out of our environment.”

While e-waste, batteries and cooking oil won’t be accepted at this event, Natasha reminds residents these can be dropped off at the Ferguson Street Recycling Centre any time of year.

If you’re not sure what goes where, our What Goes Where Guide has everything you need to know about recycling in Palmy.

This event is held every two years and is for Palmerston North residential households only. Businesses, farms and other organisations aren’t eligible for this drop-off.

Register now to book your spot

Or phone 0508 CHEMICAL (0508 243 642)