ChemClear
Since entering the agricultural waste sector in 2003, ChemClear has strived to help farmers and other users of agvet chemicals manage chemical storages and deliver solutions for chemical waste disposal.
ChemClear is Australia’s only Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program operating for agvet chemicals and is an initiative of the Industry Waste Reduction Scheme (IWRS).
ChemClear is funded by a 6c per lt/kg levy collected under the Industry Waste Reduction Scheme (IWRS). The levy also supports ChemClear’s sister program drumMUSTER.
ChemClear and its partners are delighted with the progress the service has made since 2003 in which the program has collected and disposed of more than 751 tonnes of obsolete, inherited and unknown agvet chemicals.
Our goal is to reduce the quantity of agvet chemicals stored on properties and in businesses across Australia, thereby reducing negative impacts on the environment, people and trade in the future.
Using ChemClear ensures that agvet chemical users will meet their responsibilities and obligations under any Quality Assurance, Farm or Environmental Management program.
ChemClear is delivered by Agsafe Limited on behalf of AgStewardship Australia Limited and its stakeholders CropLife Australia, Animal Medicines Australia Limited, Veterinary Manufacturer’s and Distributors Association and the National Farmers Federation.
It’s easy to get involved, start your ChemClear experience today!
Collections
Registrations are essential. Collection events are scheduled on demand for service based on the volume of chemical registrations received by region and state across Australia. ChemClear undertakes 2-3 state collections and several regional collections annually. Waste holders are encouraged to take an inventory and register their chemicals as soon as possible. These chemicals will help build a requirement to schedule a collection in your region.
Regional Collections
ChemClear schedules a collection once the volume of registrations meets a certain amount that makes it efficient for a collection run.
Regional collections run regularly in NSW, VIC and TAS.
State Collections
State collections occur on a 2-3 year cycle. Some states are serviced more than others due to stronger demand for the ChemClear service.
If you’ve missed the booking deadline for one of our chemical collections, still register as we are always looking forward to the next collection.
How do I handle and store my agvet chemicals?
Once you have registered your unwanted agvet chemicals with ChemClear you will need to continue to store these chemicals in a secure and safe location awaiting delivery to our retrieval team.
All chemicals that have been booked for disposal through ChemClear remain in the custody of the owner. The storage and management of these chemicals also remain the owner’s responsibility until they are handed over to the ChemClear retrieval team.
Collections are scheduled across local government areas on a 2-3 year cycle, or when demand in registrations supports a full state or smaller regional collection.
Storage/compatibility
It is important throughout the storage phase to be aware of the compatibility of the chemicals you are storing.
The Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods contains some excellent charts on the incompatibility of dangerous goods.
As a rule, any unknown chemical should be treated as if it were incompatible with every other chemical in storage. This chemical container can be placed into an oversize container and separated from other chemcials.
Care should be taken with all flammable products; never use a torch or match to read the labels on chemical containers.
Storage conditions
To get the most suitable conditions for storage, users should ensure that the site:
- is cleared of vegetation and rubbish to minimise the risk of fire
- is separated from people and water courses and above flood height.
- has good security procedures to prevent any unauthorised access
- has a good access point and an easy exit
- has easy access to emergency equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers)
- has adequate space for racks and separation of compatible chemicals
- is protected from direct sunlight
- has appropriate shelving to minimise breakages
- has a bund (a small wall around chemicals) to contain potential spills
- is adequately supplied with water for washing
- is separate from office or other work areas
- is constructed from non-combustible materials
- has good natural ventilation
- is equipped with flameproof electrical equipment.
For more handling and storage tips download the fact sheet: ChemClear Handling and Storage.
