Hazardous waste is solid waste or a combination of wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics poses a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment when not properly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or managed correctly.

In England, up to 500kgs of hazardous waste can be produced in a year before registering with the Environment Agency.There are however still strict controls on how this waste is stored, moved and disposed of, so check you’re in line with the law with the Environment Agency's hazardous waste guidance.

Revised waste regulations 2011

The revised Waste regulations 2011 introduce a new category (H13 - Sensitizing), to the list of properties defining waste as hazardous.The former category H13 now becomes H15. This adds ecotoxicity to the properties that can define a leachate as hazardous.

These changes mean that some non-hazardous wastes may now be reclassified as hazardous wastes.

Either select a link below to move to a section within this page or visit the Environment Agency website to see an overview on hazardous waste and how to deal with it.

• What is a hazardous material?
• How can I reduce my use of hazardous waste?
• How can materials be reused?
• Can materials be recycled?
• Some companies in the south east that collect hazardous waste

What is a hazardous material?

For a waste to be classed as hazardous it must exhibit one of the following properties:

• Explosive
• Corrosive
• Oxidising
• Infectious
• Flammable
• Toxic for reproduction
• Irritant
• Mutagenic
• Harmful
• Ecotoxic
• Toxic
• Residuary hazardous property
• Carcinogenic

Hazardous wastes can be found in a wide variety of products over a broad range of activities. Some examples are: paints, asbestos, batteries, solvents.

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How can I reduce my use of hazardous waste?

1. Only the amount of the product needed should be purchased. This is to avoid excess wastage and storage of large quantities of the product.
2. The useful life of the material should be maximized before discarding it.
3. The hazardous waste should be managed properly.
4. To reduce hazardous waste read the labels of products when purchasing and try to select the least hazardous product.
5. Non-toxic cleaners can be purchased.
6. Water-based products should be chosen where possible over solvent based products e.g. water based paints, glues.

How can materials be reused?

Oil-based paints are hazardous as they contain heavy metals and are flammable. These can be collected for reuse as a fuel for industry.

Water based paints such as varnishes, stains, sealers etc. may contain mercury and so therefore are classed as hazardous. They can be recycled into latex-based paints.

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Can materials be recycled?

Hazardous waste should always be collected and disposed of through a reliable hazardous waste management company with a valid waste carriers licence and waste management licence.

Fluorescent lights are considered to be hazardous as they contain mercury and must be diverted from landfill.

Batteries and vehicle batteries are hazardous waste as they contain sulphuric acid and lead.

Used oils such as fluid oils can be recycled and should never be disposed of in sewers or drains.

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Some companies in the south east that collect hazardous waste:

AA Waste
Woking Office
Tel: 01483 480004

Specialists in the collection and safe disposal of chemical and hazardous waste. Can also help with aerosol collection and recycling , battery collection and recycling and fire extinguisher and gas cylinder collection and recycling.

Cutting Edge Waste Disposal
East Grinstead
West Sussex RH19 2AU
Tel: 01342 322602

Specialising in hazardous waste disposal including corrosives, flammables, batteries, fluorescent tubes and other harmful chemicals. Able to organise the removal of dangerous substances such as explosives and radioactive compounds and paint tins (full or empty). Also licensed to remove and destruct or recycle IT and other WEEE items.

Grundon Waste Ltd
Colnbrook
Slough SL3 0EG
Tel: 01753 686777

Envirogreen
Regus House
Slough SL1 4DX
Tel: 0845 712 5398

Veolia Environmental Services Plc
London N1 9PE
Tel: 020 7812 5000

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