Orica is committed to the safe removal and destruction of historical legacy waste of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) waste generated from former operations at the Botany Industrial Park (BIP). HCB was produced as a waste by-product in former solvent and plastic manufacturing plants at the BIP between 1963 and 1991. Orica conducted an extensive review of options for the destruction of the HCB waste over many years. As there are no treatment plants in Australia capable of treating the HCB waste, export of the HCB waste for permanent destruction is the only safe and successful solution.

Final shipment of HCB complete

In 2025, Orica sent its final shipment of HCB to Finland and Sweden, for safe destruction in accordance with approvals of the Governments of Australia and receiving countries. It is expected that the HCB will be destroyed in the next 12 months. The final export of the HCB marks a significant milestone as efforts had been underway to find a safe destruction solution for the HCB for three decades. Orica appreciates the commitment and input of regulators, government and community to find a safe solution for the HCB stored at Botany.

With the final export of HCB complete, Orica will continue with decommissioning of the HCB Repackaging Plant and storage areas. Orica’s continued work on the HCB waste demonstrates Orica’s commitment to addressing environmental legacy matters from the past.

Community

Orica appreciates community input as it continues its remediation activities at Botany. To find out how to participate in community engagement meetings regarding this project and other active Orica Botany remediation projects visit the Orica Botany Liaison Committee (OBLC) page.

What is HCB?

HCB (hexachlorobenzene) is a crystalline solid waste by-product. Internationally, it is known and classified as a priority Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP). HCB has relatively low acute toxicity but prolonged exposure can impact health. HCB may accumulate in an organism (especially with prolonged or frequent exposure), does not easily break down in the environment and is a possible human carcinogen. HCB is a hazard to human health if it is ingested, or possibly from direct contact with damaged skin.