When cleaning up after a flood, always wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. Learn more about floodwater and your health.
Flood-affected waste includes any material:
- deposited on a property by a flood
- damaged by a flood
- contaminated by floodwater.
If the flood-affected waste is industrial waste, you must make sure it's classified, transported and received at a place that's lawfully authorised to receive that type of waste. Visit Managing industrial waste to learn more.
In an emergency, we can issue a temporary authorisation for waste discharge or disposal. This helps people to manage waste that would usually need a permission from us, such as asbestos.
For advice on cleaning up after a flood, call us on 1300 372 842 and select option 8.
If you need help cleaning up after a flood, contact Emergency Recovery Victoria(opens in a new window).
Sandbags
Sandbags that come into contact with floodwater can become contaminated.
You should dispose of contaminated sandbags at a landfill that accepts flood-affected waste. Contact your local council(opens in a new window) for information about waste facilities.
Flood-affected sandbags should not be used in gardens, playground areas or places where people may come into contact with them.
If councils determine there's no risk to human health or the environment, you can keep the sandbags for future emergency incidents or reuse the sand.
Septic systems
If your property has a septic system and has been affected by floodwater, you should get a licensed plumber or service technician to assess your septic system for safety and function.
Using a damaged system can cause sewage to back up into your house or garden. This could cause a human health and pollution risk.
After flooding, there may be damage to:
- shallow PVC pipes, which may be blocked
- plastic tanks and sumps (concrete tanks are less likely to be damaged, but should still be inspected)
- disposal or irrigation systems and pipework
- pumps and other equipment with electrical components.
You may need to replace your system. Your local council(opens in a new window) issues permits to install or alter septic systems. They can advise you on how to apply for a permit.
For more information, visit Manage your own on-site wastewater system.
Farm waste
After flooding, farms may need to manage and dispose of waste. This can include:
- green waste or crops that are no longer viable
- dairy waste, including effluent and spoilt milk
- dead stock.
Visit Manage farm waste for more information.
Other waste
Use an appropriate licensed landfill to dispose of:
- broken fencing
- spoiled stock feed
- household furniture
- damaged building materials containing asbestos or treated timber.
Contact your local council(opens in a new window) for information about waste facilities.
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