The Southern Region Emergency Operations Centre is advising Alice Springs residents on how to safely dispose of or store sandbags following the recent flooding and heavy rain.
Sandbags that have come into contact with floodwater must be taken to the Alice Springs Regional Waste Management Facility. Residents are asked to inform staff on arrival that their sandbags are flood-affected.
For sandbags that have not been exposed to floodwater, there are two disposal options. They can be dropped off at the Regional Waste Management Facility between 4 March and 1 May 2026. A designated drop-off area will be available during opening hours, 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, at 80 Commonage Road, Ilparpa.
Alternatively, residents can empty clean sand into their garden or yard in a location where it will not wash into stormwater drains, and then recycle or dispose of the empty bags responsibly. Flood-affected sandbags must not be disposed of at home.
If storing sandbags for future use, residents should empty them as soon as possible, allow the bags to dry completely and store them out of direct sunlight to prevent mould and odour.
When handling used sandbags, wear gloves, a face mask, eye protection and closed-in shoes, avoid direct contact with contaminated material and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
For more information, visit securent.nt.gov.au
