What constitutes hazardous waste?

What constitutes hazardous waste?

According to the UK government, any waste that contains substances or has properties that make it harmful to humans or the environment is considered hazardous. While this is a somewhat loose definition, it allows for new types of waste products to be classified as hazardous waste quickly.

However, this lack of specificity can often make it difficult for producers, holders, carriers and consignees to know what constitutes hazardous waste. For example, while asbestos, pesticides and brake fluid are clearly hazardous, fridges, nail polish remover and LED lights are easy to overlook.

As of 16 July 2004, it’s no longer legal to dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste in the same landfill. This makes it vitally important to recognise the differences between hazardous and non-hazardous waste, separate them correctly and dispose of them legally. Failure to do so can result in fines or legal action, and in some instances can lead to licence revocation.

Although many types of waste are considered hazardous, they typically fall into one of nine general categories. Below, we explain what those nine categories are, provide common examples for each and give advice for effective hazardous waste disposal.

Main types of hazardous waste

Gas under pressure

Items that contain pressurised gas can explode when exposed to heat. If this happens, the resulting flames – as well as the force and shrapnel of the explosion – can cause serious injury to those nearby. The extreme cold of refrigerated gas, such as that used in refrigerators and air conditioners, can also cause cryogenic burns.

Examples of gas under pressure:

  • Gas cylinders
  • Gas canisters

Flammable

While many substances are flammable, hazardous waste that’s marked as such requires very little heat to ignite. In fact, some flammable items can ignite under pressure. Once the fire breaks out, the waste’s characteristics also quicken the spread of the flames and release fumes that can be extremely harmful to breathe.

Examples of flammable waste:

  • Petrol and diesel
  • Paint thinner
  • Methylated spirits

Explosives

Heat causes these hazardous waste materials to explode. The force of the blast can cause serious injury or loss of life, as can the rubble or shrapnel the explosion projects.

Examples of explosives:

  • Fireworks
  • Ammunition
  • Pressurised gas vessels

Oxidising

Oxygen is required for a fire to start and sustain itself. The more oxygen available, the stronger, larger and hotter the flames can become. Since oxidising substances can create vast amounts of oxygen when they react with other chemicals, this makes them a serious fire hazard.

Examples of oxidising waste:

  • Bleach
  • Washing detergents
  • Medical oxygen

Corrosive

Corrosive substances can cause serious burns when they come into contact with the skin and eyes. But in addition to harming people and animals, corrosive hazardous waste can also damage construction materials. This can cause buildings and other structures to collapse, putting many lives at risk.

Examples of corrosive waste:

  • Drain cleaner
  • Battery acid
  • Hydrochloric acid

Health hazard

When swallowed or inhaled, these substances create a variety of health risks. That includes skin irritation, allergic reactions and respiratory difficulties. Waste that’s considered a health hazard can also damage the upper atmosphere when released into the air.

Examples of health hazards:

  • Coolants
  • Cleaning fluids
  • Washing detergents

Serious health hazard

If waste that’s classified as a serious health hazard is consumed, it can damage the organs and cause cancer or genetic defects. Pregnant women in particular should avoid serious health hazards, as they can lower fertility and harm unborn children.

Examples of serious health hazards:

  • Turpentine
  • Lamp oil
  • Petrol

Acute toxicity

Recognisable by its skull and crossbones symbol, hazardous waste with acute toxicity can be life threatening when inhaled, swallowed or touched, even at low doses.

Examples of acutely toxic waste:

  • Pesticides
  • Biocides
  • Methanol

Hazardous to the environment

These substances are particularly harmful to wildlife, and aquatic life in particular. When released into any environment, they create a long-lasting toxicity that kills or mutates animals and plants. This pollution can then make its way into our food and water supplies, harming human life as well.

Examples of waste that’s hazardous to the environment:

  • Chemical waste
  • Disinfectants
  • Pesticides

How to identify hazardous waste

It’s your responsibility to identify and classify your waste for disposal. This ensures that you or anyone else handling the waste deals with it correctly.

While some products like cosmetics and medicines don’t typically carry hazard symbols, most hazardous waste products do. These hazard symbols are usually orange and black danger symbols, or red and white hazard pictograms.

If you’re not sure whether your waste is hazardous, you can refer to the Environment Agency’s waste classification technical guidance. In most cases, you can check the codes associated with your waste to confirm whether or not it’s hazardous.

How to properly dispose of hazardous waste

When disposed of incorrectly, hazardous waste poses a serious risk to people, animals and the environment. On top of that, even honest mistakes on your behalf can lead to serious financial and legal repercussions. So it’s in your best interest to dispose of hazardous waste properly.

However, to ensure that hazardous waste is handled correctly, most businesses aren’t authorised to dispose of it themselves. That’s why it’s important to find a professional hazardous waste disposal service that you can trust. And for hundreds of businesses across the UK, that service is Envirogreen.

From our main office in Slough, Berkshire, we provide national waste disposal services for hazardous waste, difficult waste and liquid waste. We have over 24 years’ experience in safe, legal disposal and recycling of waste, and are registered with the Environment Agency. When you work with us, our teams ensure all your hazardous waste is documented and disposed of using cost-effective, environmentally friendly methods that comply with all current regulations.Get in touch today to find out more about our hazardous waste removal services and keep yourself safe from physical and financial harm.

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