Household hazardous waste includes any discarded material which puts human health or the environment at risk because of its chemical or biological nature.
Examples of hazardous household waste:
- decorative paints, varnishes, woodstains and paint stripper
- flammable liquids, for example white spirit, petrol and paraffin
- garden chemicals and wood treatments (creosote and many garden chemicals have been withdrawn from use)
- mouse or rat poisons
- household chemicals, for example toilet cleaners, drain cleaners and bleaches
- swimming pool chemicals, for example chlorine additives, pH adjusters and algicides
- motoring products, for example antifreeze, brake or clutch fluid
- asbestos
Handling and disposing of hazardous products
You should:
- not dispose of any hazardous waste down the toilet, sink or drains
- not burn any hazardous waste on garden bonfires
- never mix products
- ensure that containers are properly labelled and instructions for use are followed
- store chemicals safely and away from children and pets
Tips accept small quantities of certain types of household hazardous waste
Tips accept:
- used motor oil
- household and vehicle batteries
- fluorescent tubes and low energy light bulbs
- televisions and computers
- fire extinguishers (except Halon type)
- paint which has completely solidified (no liquid paint)
Oil based paint may still contain liquid paint under a skin.
Top tips for reducing quantities of household hazardous waste
To reduce waste, you can:
- ask if someone you know have a suitable product
- try to use up leftovers, by adding an extra coat of paint or passing on to someone else to use (check shelf life of product before passing on)
- find safer alternatives, for example water based rather than oil based products
- only buy quantity of product required for job
Asbestos collection and disposal
If you suspect you have asbestos in your home or on your property call us for further advice:
Telephone: 01582 510333
If you are:
- in a council owned property you will be put through to our building technical services team who deal with asbestos in council properties
- the homeowner or it is a privately owned property we recommend you contact a private waste contractor who is registered to handle the material. You can find a licenced asbestos removal company by searching Asbestos Removal Contractors Association
