Hazardous waste is produced by businesses in almost every industry. While it’s often associated with manufacturing plants and chemical facilities, hazardous waste can also be generated by offices, schools, healthcare providers, garages, construction sites and retail businesses.
Knowing whether your waste is classed as hazardous is important, as it must be stored, transported and disposed of in accordance with UK environmental legislation. Failing to do so can put people and the environment at risk while also leading to enforcement action and costly fines.
What Is Hazardous Waste?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines hazardous waste as waste that contains substances or has properties that make it harmful to human health or the environment.
Hazardous waste can be solid, liquid or sludge and often contains chemicals or other materials that require specialist handling and disposal.
If you’re unsure whether your waste is hazardous, it’s always best to seek advice before arranging collection.
What Types of Waste Are Considered Hazardous?
Many everyday products are classified as hazardous waste, including:
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Adhesives
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Aerosols
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Asbestos
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Batteries
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Chemicals
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Clinical waste
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Cleaning agents
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Electrical equipment (WEEE)
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Fluorescent tubes
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Medicines
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Oily or contaminated rags
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Paint
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Pesticides
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Printer toner and ink cartridges
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Solvents
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Waste oil
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it highlights many of the waste streams businesses regularly produce that should never be disposed of with general waste.
What Makes Waste Hazardous?
Hazardous waste is classified because of the risks it presents. These hazards include:
Flammable
Flammable materials ignite easily and can spread fire quickly. Common examples include petrol, solvents, paints and many aerosol products.
Explosive
Some materials can explode if exposed to heat, pressure or impact. Fireworks and ammunition are obvious examples, but some pressurised containers also require careful handling.
Oxidising
Oxidising substances can increase the intensity of a fire by releasing oxygen. They are commonly found in certain chemicals and industrial products.
Corrosive
Corrosive waste can damage skin, metals and other materials. Acids, alkalis and some cleaning chemicals fall into this category.
Toxic
Toxic substances can cause serious illness or death if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Asbestos, certain chemicals and some solvents are examples.
Health Hazards
Some materials may not cause immediate harm but can lead to long-term health conditions after repeated exposure. This includes substances that are carcinogenic or harmful to the respiratory system.
Hazardous to the Environment
Waste such as pesticides, fuels and oils can cause significant environmental damage if released into soil or watercourses.
How Is Hazardous Waste Classified?
Not all hazardous waste is obvious, and some materials require specialist assessment before they can be classified.
Waste may fall into one of four broad categories:
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Absolute hazardous
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Mirror hazardous
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Mirror non-hazardous
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Absolute non-hazardous
Where there’s any uncertainty, waste should be assessed and classified correctly before disposal to ensure it follows the appropriate treatment route.
How Should Hazardous Waste Be Managed?
Businesses have a legal duty to manage hazardous waste safely.
This includes:
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Identifying and separating hazardous waste from other waste streams.
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Storing waste securely in suitable containers.
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Using a licensed hazardous waste carrier.
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Ensuring the waste is taken to an authorised treatment or disposal facility.
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Keeping the appropriate waste documentation for your records.
Following the correct process helps protect your business, your employees and the environment.
Asbestos: A Common Hazardous Waste Stream
Asbestos remains one of the most common hazardous waste streams encountered during refurbishment, demolition and property maintenance.
If asbestos is suspected, work should stop immediately and the material should be assessed before any removal takes place. Attempting to move or dispose of asbestos without the correct procedures can release dangerous fibres into the air and create significant health risks.
Wastege can arrange asbestos surveys, laboratory testing and compliant disposal through trusted specialist partners.
Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal
Whether you need a one-off collection or ongoing hazardous waste management, Wastege provides compliant collection services for businesses across the UK.
Our team can help with the collection, transportation and disposal of a wide range of hazardous waste streams while ensuring all documentation is completed correctly and your waste reaches a licensed treatment or disposal facility.
Need Help Managing Hazardous Waste?
If you’re unsure whether your waste is hazardous or need advice on the correct disposal route, the Wastege team is here to help.
Get in touch today to arrange a compliant hazardous waste collection or speak to one of our specialists for guidance.