Stepped hypothermia (or fridge/freezer) is current best practice to humanely euthanise cane toads, in line with research conducted by the University of Sydney and as recommended by RSPCA Guidelines. This method can be used for cane toads of every life stage, although cane toad eggs and tadpoles require water to survive.

How to euthanise a cane toad through stepped hypothermia:

1. Put the toad in a container with air holes, ensuring it can breathe but not escape.

2. Place in the fridge for 24 hours to cool the toad. This will put the cane toads in torpor, a natural amphibian state similar to hibernation, which switches off their pain receptors.

3. Transfer cane toads to the freezer for a further 24-48 hours to euthanise them through freezing. 

Studies show that Cane Toads remain toxic for some time after death, as the bufotoxin in their paratoid glands does not break down easily in some environments. This means it’s important to responsibly dispose of euthanised Cane Toads and not leave them in the environment, where they can still pose a threat to wildlife and pets.

Here are a few ways you can safely and responsibly dispose of euthanised Cane Toads:

• Compost: why not put your toads to good use in compost production! In a hot compost system, the toxin will break down quickly in, making Cane Toads similar to other meat scraps. Cane Toad toxin is not dangerous for worms and other insects which reside in your compost system. However, it is important to protect other animals from your decomposing toads.
• Household bin: Cane Toads can be put in your regular curbside bin for council collection. Different councils have different rules around what can be put in the bins, so check with your area whether it can go in your red or green bin. 
• Burial: Cane Toad toxin will also break down when buried. If this is an option for you, bury the toads at least 50cm deep to prevent animals from digging them up. 

Not keen on putting toads into your fridge/freezer? Watergum operates a series of drop off points around South East Queensland and Northern NSW. You can take live toads to these locations to be humanely euthanised. The Cane Toads dropped off at these points are collected by Watergum staff and used in the production of Watergum Cane Toad Tadpole Lures. These drop off points are run by generous volunteers, so please always call ahead!

Watergum run our drop-off points in partnership with generous volunteers and local councils. Please check the map for details on how to contact each drop off point host and any notes for delivery.

QLD drop-off points:

• Bethania
• Burleigh Heads
• Capalaba
• Carindale
• Currumbin
• Currumbin Eco-Village
• Currumbin Valley
• Dunwich (North Stradbroke)
• Ormeau
• Tamborine
• Yarrabilba

NSW drop-off points:

• Murwillumbah
• Pottsville
• Uki

Humane treatment of cane toads begins when toad busting. How you store your cane toads prior to bringing them to your closest drop off matters.

Please adhere to these guidelines. Cane toads that are stored in crowded or hot containers are unpleasant for our drop off volunteer hosts and unable to be used for our program.