What exactly is hazardous waste within a household?

Hazardous waste is waste that can harm people, pets, wildlife or the environment because of what it contains. We often come across it in sheds, garages, lofts and under kitchen sinks. Some of it looks like ordinary household rubbish.

Examples

• Asbestos-containing materials, such as some old garage roof sheets and insulation boards.
• Some paints, varnishes, paint strippers and solvent-based adhesives, along with tins or containers still contaminated by hazardous residues.
• White spirit, paint thinners, weedkillers, insecticides and some strong drain or oven cleaners.
• Used engine oil, brake fluid, some antifreeze and lead-acid car batteries.
• Mercury-containing fluorescent tubes, some energy-saving bulbs and old mercury thermometers.
• Fridges and freezers containing hazardous refrigerants or foam blowing agents, and old tube televisions and monitors.
• Some printer toners and certain medicines, including some cancer treatments.

Used needles and other contaminated sharps need specialist handling. Blood-contaminated materials may be classed as infectious waste. Severe soiling and rodent contamination can also need specialist cleaning and handling. The waste classification depends on what’s present and the risk it poses.

Tell us before the clearance

If you know or suspect any of these are at the property, tell us before the clearance. We can assess what’s there during the survey and explain what we can take and what needs a separate arrangement.

Request a Survey