Which hazardous wastes can be recycled?
Hazardous Wastes
Hazardous wastes are waste materials that is considered dangerous to to humans, animals or the environment, or if it contains a substance which is dangerous. Where possible we are encouraged to recycle or reuse these items to reduce the amount of waste produced to reduce the impact on the environment.
What is a hazardous waste?
Examples of hazardous waste include:
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Asbestos
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Chemicals eg. Brake fluid or printer toner
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Batteries – household and car batteries
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Solvents
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Pesticides
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Car Oil
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Fluorescent tubes
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Electrical items eg tvs and fridge freezers
What can be recycled?
Electrical appliances are the fastest growing waste stream in the UK at the moment, as these items are frequently replaced in the home. Fridges, freezers, tvs, computer monitors and large domestic appliances such as washing machines can all be recycled at your local waste management centre.
Items such as fluorescent tubes and smaller electrical goods such as kettles are recyclable, but they need to broken down and separated at the waste management centre before being recycled. Even energy saving lightbulbs can also be recycled along with fluorescent tubes!
These items can be taken to your local refuse centre at any time and should be disposed of in the designated areas.
What cannot be recycled?
Household or garden chemicals should not be washed down the drain as these can run into water systems and contaminate them. Instead you can try contacting a specialist waste facility for advice on how to dispose of these hazardous materials safely.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is found in many older homes, and it is often disposed of illegally as it is one material which cannot be taken to every waste management facility. If you have asbestos that you need to get rid of, speak to your local council to find out which centres are licensed to dispose of the material legally.
Construction and demolition waste generated from DIY or excavation, for example bricks, rubble, plasterboard and soil is not recyclable waste but it can be taken to your local waste management centre to be disposed of. Tradesmen can register to take more rubble and waste, so if you are doing a lot of work in your home then you can contact a private contractor to remove this for you. Normally nothing more than a car load of household waste will be accepted from non-licensed members of the public.
