Hazardous waste: what it is, the rules and how to dispose of it
Hazardous waste is waste that can harm people or the environment, such as asbestos, chemicals, solvents, oils and batteries. A business that produces it must keep it apart from other waste, use an authorised carrier and complete a consignment note every time it is moved. This guide explains what counts, what the law requires and how to dispose of it.
Hazardous waste: key facts
| What makes waste hazardous | It contains substances that are harmful to health or the environment |
|---|---|
| Paperwork | A consignment note for every movement, kept for three years |
| Registration in England | Not needed since April 2016 |
| Registration in Wales | Needed if you produce 500 kilograms or more a year |
| Scotland | Called special waste, and regulated by SEPA |
What is hazardous waste?
Waste is hazardous when it, or something in it, can harm human health or the environment. The government lists these common examples.
- Asbestos
- Chemicals, such as brake fluid and print toner
- Batteries
- Solvents
- Pesticides
- Oils, such as car oil. Edible oil is not included
- Equipment that contains gases which damage the ozone layer, such as fridges
- Containers that held hazardous waste
Every type of waste has a six digit code in the List of Waste. A code marked with an asterisk is hazardous. If you are not sure, the waste classification guidance sets out how to check.
What a business must do
- Classify it. Find the right waste code and note which hazardous properties apply.
- Keep it apart. Do not mix hazardous waste with other waste, or one type of hazardous waste with another.
- Store it safely. Use sealed, labelled containers under cover, away from drains.
- Use authorised businesses. The carrier must be registered and the site that receives the waste must hold a permit for it.
- Complete a consignment note. One note travels with each load. It records what the waste is, who produced it, who carried it and where it went.
- Keep records. Keep your copy of every consignment note for three years.
These duties sit on top of the general duty of care that applies to all business waste.
Hazardous waste disposal: who can take it?
General waste collectors cannot take hazardous waste unless they are authorised to. Ask a specialist for a collection, and ask where the waste will be treated. Most hazardous waste is recovered, treated or burned at high temperature. Only some types can go to a landfill site that holds a permit for hazardous waste.
Can hazardous waste be sold?
Most of it costs money to remove. A few types have value because of what they contain. Lead acid batteries are bought for their lead, and used engine oil and some solvents are bought for recovery. The buyer must still be authorised, and the consignment note rules still apply. For the metals that buyers pay most for, see the current scrap lead prices.
Frequently asked questions
What are examples of hazardous waste?
Asbestos, chemicals, solvents, pesticides, batteries, engine oil, fridges and containers that held any of these. Fluorescent tubes and some electrical equipment are hazardous too.
What is a consignment note?
It is the document that must travel with every load of hazardous waste. It records what the waste is, who produced it, who carried it and where it was taken. Each party keeps a copy for three years.
Do I need to register as a hazardous waste producer?
Not in England, where registration ended in April 2016. In Wales you must register with Natural Resources Wales if you produce 500 kilograms or more of hazardous waste a year.
Can I put hazardous waste in a general waste bin?
No. Hazardous waste must be kept apart from all other waste and collected by a business authorised to carry it.
How long must I keep hazardous waste records?
Three years. Keep your copies of the consignment notes at the premises where the waste was produced.