myRisks home - Environment - Waste Storage and Disposal

All hazardous and non-hazardous waste must be stored and disposed of separately. Hazardous waste contains chemical compounds that are dangerous to human health and/or the environment. A selection of hazardous wastes is listed below:

Batteries [identified by a crossed out wheelie bin symbol on the label]
TV Monitors
Computer Monitors
Fridges
Fluorescent Tubes
Sodium lights
Contaminated wipes, rags and absorbents
Aerosols (Aerosols containing HAZ)
Solvents
Toners
Oil Tins
Paints
Thinners
Oil Filters
Caustic soda
Cleaning Chemicals
Resins
Adhesives
Photo-chemicals
Clinical wastes containing pathogenic agents or other hazardous substances including dressing, sharps and any material which is contaminated with blood. Clinical waste must separated from the general waste stream and must be incinerated.

Non-hazardous waste mainly includes the following, where they do not contain any hazardous substances or articles:

General office waste
Catering waste
Construction and demolition wastes
Scrap timber, metal, glass, etc
Wastes segregated for recycling such as office paper, glass, cans, cardboard, pallets etc.

Disposal of any articles containing radioactive substances (such as non-domestic smoke detectors, old luminous watches and clocks, certain anti-static devices used in spray painting, etc) is subject to the requirements of the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and requires a special authorisation. For general advice or information contact Ask Al - Safety Advice Line - or see the guidance on Contaminated Land.