Hazardous waste: The law, process and dangers

The proper management of hazardous waste is essential for the protection of public health and the environment, something the SunSkips team takes very seriously.

SunSkips clients are asked not to put certain waste types in our containers due to the risks involved in putting them through our screening process, while other items can be collected by special arrangement.

But which hazardous waste types can be collected by SunSkips and which can’t? And if you can’t put them in a skip, how do you get rid of it?

Here’s your comprehensive breakdown of how hazardous waste is managed in the UK, including the disposal process, legal requirements and why there are so many regulations.

What qualifies as hazardous waste?

Hazardous waste, sometimes referred to as “special waste”, is any material that poses a significant risk to human health or the environment.

There’s a wide range of waste items classed as hazardous, each with their own risks and specialised methods for processing and disposal.

Some of these items are everyday products that you might not have realised require special care. These are some of the most common:

Chemical waste

Poisonous chemicals like pesticides and mercury can do a lot of damage if not properly managed, as can flammable liquids like petrol and corrosive substances like acid.

Chemical waste has to be handled very carefully to protect people and minimise the release of harmful substances into the environment.

Dead batteries

Batteries are considered hazardous waste due to the presence of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which are toxic to human health and the environment. These heavy metals can leach into soil and groundwater, contaminating the local ecosystem.

Batteries also release hydrogen gas and the electrical current can create sparks, which leads to fires. More than 700 bin lorry and recycling facility fires are caused by batteries hidden inside electrical devices.

Clinical waste

Waste from medical facilities cannot be thrown out with general waste or tossed into skips to prevent the spread of infections.

Infectious waste, sharps (needles, scalpels, etc.), pathological waste, expired medicine, radioactive materials used in medical imaging and anything contaminated with blood or bodily fluids must be handled by clinical waste specialists.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials and industrial products due to its fire-resistance and insulating properties. Blue and brown asbestos were banned in the UK in 1985, slowing use until the manufacture and supply of all types of asbestos were eventually banned in 1999.

When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can get trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation, scarring and other health problems. If asbestos is present in buildings or products, it’s important to handle it carefully to prevent exposure

Paints, oils and solvents

While paints, oils and solvents are common leftovers from DIY and construction work, they can’t be thrown out with the rest of the waste.

Try to save any leftover paint for future projects or donate to a friend who you know is planning a home makeover. If you can’t find a use for these excess liquids, they need to be taken to the local household waste recycling centre (HWRC).

MORE: DIY waste disposal: How to get rid of renovation rubbish 

Fluorescent light tubes

Fluorescent light tubes contain small amounts of mercury, a toxic heavy metal that makes them hazardous waste.

When a fluorescent light tube breaks, mercury may be released into the environment, contaminating air, soil, and water. Inhaling mercury fumes can cause serious health problems.

Some electrical devices and appliances

Fridges, televisions and computer monitors are some examples of e-waste that contain harmful substances and can’t be disposed of with general waste.

MORE: Electronic waste: A treasure trove for the circular economy

Upholstered furniture waste

As of January 1, 2023, upholstered furniture is classed as hazardous waste due to the POPs waste (Persistent Organic Pollutants) it contains.

This means that upholstered furniture needs to be taken to a HWRC so it can be sent for incineration and can no longer be put in a skip.

With tighter regulations and an increase in hazardous waste generated by industries, households and healthcare facilities, educating the public about what qualifies as hazardous waste and its dangers has become a top priority for the industry.

MORE: Skip hire safety: Tips for avoiding danger when hiring a skip

How is hazardous waste regulated in England?

The Environment Agency enforces strict regulations to ensure hazardous waste is handled and disposed of in a safe and responsible manner.

The management of hazardous waste is regulated by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, which lay out the requirements for the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.

It’s important to follow the proper procedures for disposing of hazardous waste. Illegally dumping hazardous waste can land you with a serious fine and even a prison sentence.

MORE: 5 huge risks of improper waste management

How do you dispose of hazardous waste in East Anglia?

If you’re unsure of what to do with hazardous waste, the first step is to consult your local authority.

Cambridgeshire County Council has detailed information about what to do with a wide range of hazardous waste types, including contact details for specialists.

Suffolk Recycling is also a fantastic resource for hazardous waste disposal, explaining which items residents can take to recycling centres and how to safely prepare them for storage and disposal.

Hazardous waste management: the process

Managing hazardous waste requires specialist knowledge and stringent processes to ensure health and safety are prioritised.

There are three main steps to the safe and legal management of hazardous waste, which differ depending on the waste type:

1. Identification

The first step is to determine which materials are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal methods.

Once the waste has been identified, it’s then packaged, labelled, and transported to a licensed treatment facility.

2. Treatment

At the treatment facility, the waste is processed and treated to remove or neutralise any hazardous properties.

This can be via incineration, chemical treatment, or mechanical shredding.

3. Disposal

Residue from the treated waste is then disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, in accordance with regulations.

Does SunSkips accept hazardous waste in its skips?

SunSkips rejects the majority of hazardous waste because it needs to be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste facility.

There are some items SunSkips has the capacity to manage that can be accepted by special arrangement and with a small additional fee.

If you have hazardous waste to dispose of, it’s important to follow the proper procedures and use the services of a licensed waste management company to ensure that it’s managed in an environmentally friendly way.

Not sure if the rubbish you want to get rid of qualifies as hazardous waste? Give our friendly team a call and they’ll let you know if it’s suitable for our containers. If you have any special waste types that SunSkips does collect, you can let us know in our simple online skip hire booking form.