Chemicals

We present information on the chemicals you use at home, what the law says about using chemicals, and how we enforce the rules.

The EPA regulates the use of chemicals in NSW under Acts and Regulations to reduce harmful effects on people and minimise environmental impacts. Some hazardous chemicals are also more strictly regulated under chemical control orders.

Regulating chemicals

Use of chemicals in NSW is strictly regulated to ensure they are managed responsibly.

• Chemicals are regulated in NSW under NSW Acts and Regulations as well as national legislation and international agreements.
• Industries storing, treating, using and transporting chemicals generally require an environment protection licence.
• Chemicals that pose a serious threat to the environment and present challenges in their management may be regulated by a chemical control order.

Safe use of chemicals

Find out about

• managing chemicals and their impacts in the home and garden
• safer choices for household cleaning and gardening
• disposing of household chemicals and hazardous waste responsibly
• dry cleaning chemicals