Oily Rags

Used oily rags are classified as hazardous waste in Australia. Improper oily rags disposal or spill kit disposal (especially when rags are soaked with flammable substances like fuels, solvents, lubricants, or oil spill waste) can pose serious risks, including spontaneous combustion, environmental contamination, and workplace safety incidents.

REMONDIS Online provides reliable and compliant waste oily rag disposal services for businesses across industries, including automotive, mechanical, industrial, mining, and manufacturing. Whether it's a once-off cleanup or ongoing waste management, our network of specialists offers end-to-end support to help you dispose of oily rags safely.

Our services help you meet regulatory requirements for hazardous oily waste and oil-soaked rags disposal while keeping your team and workplace protected. We support routine or bulk oily rag collections, helping to reduce operational risks and improve site safety.

REMONDIS Online's oil waste management services help lower environmental impact, ensure compliance with waste regulations, and reduce operational risks. REMONDIS is nationally certified to ISO9001 (Quality Management System), ISO45001 (Safety Management System), and ISO14001 (Environmental Management System), ensuring that we meet the highest industry benchmarks in quality and safety.

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Store and Dispose of Oily Rags Safely

Knowing how to dispose of oily rags properly can prevent fire risks and ensure compliance with Australian regulations. Follow these steps for safe oily rag storage and disposal:

Use approved containers: Store oily rags in sealed, fire-resistant containers designed for hazardous oily waste. These containers will help contain flammable vapours and reduce fire hazards.
Keep containers in a safe location: Place storage containers in a ventilated, cool area, away from heat sources, sparks, or direct sunlight to minimise ignition risks.
Avoid piling or compressing oil-soaked rags: Loose storage or tightly compressed rags can generate heat when airflow is limited. Spread them out inside containers, if possible, to allow airflow and reduce heat build-up.
Regularly clear storage: Have oily rags collected and disposed of at regular intervals before containers become too full or rags degrade. Frequent removal helps reduce fire hazards and maintains compliance.
Train staff on safe handling: Make sure all employees understand the risks and follow proper procedures for handling and storing oily rags safely.

Need help managing hazardous oily waste at your site? Contact REMONDIS Online for tailored advice, safe collection services, and support with compliance.

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Disclaimer

Please note that acceptance criteria varies across States and Territories. Have a look at our Allowed and Prohibited lists below to get an understanding, however in order to receive information about the most recent regulation, please visit your local council website.

Unless noted otherwise, Hazardous Materials** and Dangerous Goods*** are strictly banned in all waste streams. If you are not sure or have a requirement to dispose of any of these types of items please contact us and we will find a solution for you.

**Hazardous Materials - Unless explicitly allowed, Hazardous Materials include Aerosol Cans, Tyres, Batteries, Asbestos, Chemicals of any kind, Oil Heaters, Gas Bottles, Fire Extinguishers, Old Insulation, Fibro, Fibreglass roof sheeting, Fibro-cement sheeting, Ammunition, Flares, Paint, Paint Related Products, Other Prescribed or Hazardous Wastes, Bio Wastes or any Liquid or Flammable Waste like Fuel and Oil, Poisons, or any other Liquid Waste. If you are not sure or have a requirement to dispose of any of these types of items please contact us and we will find a solution for you.

***Dangerous Goods - Unless explicitly allowed, Dangerous Goods include Explosive substances and Articles, Gases, Flammable Liquids and Solids, Self-Reactive Substances and Solid Desensitized Explosives, Substances liable to spontaneous combustion, substances which, in contact with Water, emit Flammable and/or Toxic Gases, Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides, Toxic Substances, Infectious Substances, Radioactive Material, Corrosive Substances, Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles. If you are not sure or have a requirement to dispose of any of these types of items please contact us and we will find a solution for you.