How to recycle and dispose of hazardous materials
Household hazardous waste includes any discarded material which puts human health or the environment at risk because of its chemical or biological nature.
Examples of hazardous household waste:
- decorative paints, varnishes, woodstains and paint stripper
- flammable liquids, for example white spirit, petrol and paraffin
- garden chemicals and wood treatments (creosote and many garden chemicals have been withdrawn from use)
- mouse or rat poisons
- household chemicals, for example toilet cleaners, drain cleaners and bleaches
- swimming pool chemicals, for example chlorine additives, pH adjusters and algicides
- motoring products, for example antifreeze, brake or clutch fluid
- asbestos
Handling and disposing of hazardous products
You should:
- not dispose of any hazardous waste down the toilet, sink or drains
- not burn any hazardous waste on garden bonfires
- never mix products
- ensure that containers are properly labelled and instructions for use are followed
- store chemicals safely and away from children and pets
Tips accept small quantities of certain types of household hazardous waste
Tips accept:
- used motor oil
- household and vehicle batteries
- fluorescent tubes and low energy light bulbs
- televisions and computers
- fire extinguishers (except Halon type)
- paint which has completely solidified (no liquid paint)
Oil based paint may still contain liquid paint under a skin.
Top tips for reducing quantities of household hazardous waste
To reduce waste, you can:
- ask if someone you know have a suitable product
- try to use up leftovers, by adding an extra coat of paint or passing on to someone else to use (check shelf life of product before passing on)
- find safer alternatives, for example water based rather than oil based products
- only buy quantity of product required for job
Asbestos collection and disposal
If you suspect you have asbestos in your home or on your property call us for further advice:
Telephone: 01582 510333
If you are:
- in a council owned property you will be put through to our building technical services team who deal with asbestos in council properties
- the homeowner or it is a privately owned property you will be put through to the strategic waste team, who will help to deal with your enquiry
You will be asked how much asbestos there is and the number of sheets you have. Depending on the number or amount a charge for collection and disposal will be made.
The asbestos needs to be double wrapped in a plastic sheeting before the collection can take place.