Chemicals and pesticides
The NSW Environment Protection Authority regulates the use of chemicals and pesticides in NSW under Acts and Regulations to reduce harmful effects on people and minimise environmental impacts.
Some hazardous chemicals are more strictly regulated under chemical control orders.
Regulating chemicals in NSW
The EPA can advise industry and households on:
- national chemicals management
- safe use, management and disposal
- minimising environmental impacts
- managing chemical and pesticide wastes
- cleaning up contaminated land
- legislation governing pesticide use
- record keeping, training and notification requirements
- pesticide control orders governing the use of restricted chemical products.
- appropriate management of pesticides
To understanding the laws about chemicals, licences, and chemical control orders see Regulating chemicals in NSW.
Report pollution
Contact the EPA's Environment Line at any time:
See report pollution and duty to notify pollution incidents.
Chemicals in the home
Many household products and materials contain chemicals that pose a threat to health and the environment:
- paints
- cleaning products
- varnishes
- weed killers
- insecticides and baits
- wood
- pool and pet treatments
See safe disposal of chemicals.
Pesticides
Pesticides are used to destroy, suppress or alter the life cycle of pests. These can include herbicides, insecticides, bactericides, fungicides, rodenticides, baits and lures.
For information about using pesticides including training, record keeping, laws, guidance and advice see the EPA's website.
Pesticide notification
Council's Pesticide Notification Plan(PDF, 94KB) has been prepared according to the requirements of the Pesticides Regulation 2009.
It sets out how we will notify members of the community of pesticide applications it makes (or allows to be made) to outdoor public places that it owns or controls.
If you do not wish for your property boundary to be sprayed with pesticides, due to reasons such as organic farming or medical conditions, use the following form to notify Council of your sensitivity to pesticides:
Pesticide sensitivity notification request
Notice of pesticide use
Generally, notice of pesticide use will be provided as described below:
Spot and directed applications
For spot and directed applications of pesticide during regular maintenance, no prior notification will be provided. Notification is provided through the plan and a statement on Council's website.
Spot application of pesticides is using a backpack or hand-held applicator (such as a spray can) delivering a low volume in a restricted area. Examples include control of grass around infrastructure such as signs, footpaths, rock walls and garden beds, and control of insect nests such as wasps. This may be part of a regular maintenance program, or unplanned reactive situations.
Directed application of pesticides is using a mechanical pump and hand-held or automated nozzle delivering single sprays, generally in a linear pattern and targeting a restricted area of weeds. Examples are spraying kerbs, gutters and median strips, or steep slopes and other difficult to access areas.
Broadscale application
Broadscale application: includes boom sprays, aerial sprays and other methods delivering high volumes over a wide area.
Prior notification will be provided for scheduled broadscale applications of pesticides and other applications as described in the Pesticide Notification Plan.