The correct disposal of hazardous waste is crucial for protecting the environment and human health, and also for complying with legal regulations. This blog post looks at the different types of harmful waste, the risks associated with improper disposal and safe disposal methods.
What exactly is hazardous waste?
Any material that is dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment is classed as hazardous. This can take the form of liquids, solids, gases or sludges and can come from households, businesses and industries. Common examples include:
- Chemicals, such as cleaning agents, pesticides and solvents
- Batteries, from lead-acid and lithium-ion to nickel-cadmium and flow batteries
- Electronic waste, including old computers and televisions
- Paints and varnishes
- Asbestos
- Medical waste, including syringes and medications
- Motor oil and antifreeze
Why proper disposal is so important
Improper disposal of hazardous waste can have severe repercussions, such as pollution, ecosystem destruction, health hazards and legal consequences. For instance, leaking chemicals can contaminate local water supplies, endangering ecosystems and wildlife. Animals that ingest toxic substances will become ill and they could die. Mismanaged toxic waste can also affect humans, leading to respiratory problems, skin irritation and serious illnesses like cancer. And let’s not forget that failure to comply with waste disposal regulations can result in hefty fines.
How to handle hazardous waste
1) Identify your waste
The first step is to understand if the waste you need to dispose of is classed as hazardous. Check product labels for warning signs such as ‘toxic’, ‘flammable’, ‘corrosive’ or ‘reactive’. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek advice from a waste management professional.
For example, let’s say you find an old bottle of pesticide in your shed. The label warns that it’s toxic and corrosive. This indicates that it’s unsafe and requires special handling.
2) Separate hazardous waste from general waste
Keep any harmful waste separate from general waste to avoid contamination. Use clearly labelled containers to store different types of hazardous waste, ensuring they are sealed and stored in a safe, secure location away from general living areas.
If you have leftover paint, store it in its original container, tightly sealed. Keep in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
3) Follow local regulations and guidelines
The Environment Agency provides guidelines on how to manage hazardous waste in the UK, but arrangements might differ from region to region. Some types of hazardous waste can even be recycled and this helps to reduce their environmental impact. Check your local resources for recycling options.
A good starting point is to visit your local council’s website and search for the items you’d like to dispose of. Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire councils both offer useful information on drop-off points and/or collection services for certain types of hazardous household waste.
4) Utilise specialist waste disposal companies
For larger quantities of hazardous waste or commercial waste, it may be necessary to hire a specialist company. These businesses are licensed to handle and dispose of harmful waste according to strict regulations. Ensure the company you choose is reputable and holds the necessary licences and permits.’
If you run a small business, such as a car repair shop, you’ll have larger quantities of hazardous waste like motor oil and antifreeze. Contact a licensed waste disposal company like the Hamptons Group to arrange regular pick-ups.
5) Follow safe handling practices
When handling hazardous waste, always wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, goggles and masks. Follow the safety instructions on product labels and never mix different types of harmful waste, as this can cause dangerous chemical reactions.
While handling pesticides, wear gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes, and follow the disposal instructions on the label.
6) Dispose of medications safely
Unused or expired medications should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown away with general waste. They should always be returned to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
7) Educate yourself and others
Stay informed about hazardous waste disposal practices and share your knowledge with others. Community education helps ensure that everyone understands the importance of proper disposal and the potential risks of negligence.
8) Keep records
For businesses, it’s important to keep records of hazardous waste disposal. This is not only a legal requirement but also helps to track and manage waste more effectively.
Maintain a log of all hazardous waste generated by your business. Include details such as the type of waste, quantity, date of disposal and the disposal company used. This will help in audits and ensure compliance with regulations.
The proper disposal of hazardous waste is essential for protecting our environment and health. But it’s not just about compliance – it’s about doing our part to safeguard our planet for future generations. Not sure what to do about a particular item? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!