Volunteer safety comes first
Clean-ups should be safe and rewarding. Please read these guidelines before you volunteer. If you're ever unsure, don't touch it — report it to the right authority instead.
In an emergency, call 000
If you encounter explosives, suspicious packages, or anything that poses an immediate danger to life, move to a safe distance and call 000 immediately.
Never pick up these items
These require specialist handling. Do not attempt to collect them as a volunteer.
Needles and medical waste
Never pick up needles, syringes or medical waste. Report them to your local council or call the local needle cleanup service. Do not place them in rubbish bags.
Unknown chemicals and hazardous substances
Do not touch unknown liquids, powders or unlabelled containers. Move away and report to the relevant state environmental authority.
Asbestos or suspected asbestos
Do not disturb any material you suspect may be asbestos. Report to your local council for specialist handling.
Explosives or dangerous objects
Move to a safe distance and call 000 immediately. Do not attempt to move or inspect the object.
Large dumped items
Heavy items like cars, whitegoods or building waste may require specialist handling or council collection. Assess before lifting.
Rubbish near moving traffic
Do not collect rubbish on or near a roadway without an approved traffic management arrangement. Stay on footpaths and nature strips.
General volunteer guidance
Wear protection
Sturdy closed-toe shoes, thick gloves, and sun protection. Bring a grabber or tongs if you have one.
Stay on public land
Do not enter private property or trespass. Stay on footpaths, nature strips, beaches and public reserves.
Don't enter waterways
Stay on the bank. Do not wade into rivers, canals, or the surf to retrieve rubbish.
Watch for traffic
Do not collect rubbish on or near roadways without an approved safe arrangement.
Lift safely
Don't lift heavy items alone. Assess for sharp edges, nails, and unstable loads before moving anything.
Sort and dispose responsibly
Use the nearest public bins. Separate recycling where possible. Use council facilities for larger loads.
Tell someone
Let a friend or family member know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
Stop if unsafe
If anything feels risky or beyond your ability, stop and report it. Your safety matters more than any clean-up.
Reporting hazardous waste
For hazardous materials that are not an immediate emergency, contact the relevant authority:
- Local council — dumped asbestos, building waste, large illegal dumping
- State environment authority — unknown chemicals, unlabelled containers
- 000 — explosives, dangerous objects, immediate danger
Ready to volunteer safely?
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