Hazardous waste disposal

Waste is considered hazardous if it, or any of its ingredients, pose a potential threat to human health or the environment. And so these can be gas, liquid, or solid. Hazardous liquids are easy to spot as their labelling and “toxic” symbols are very clear. Less easy to spot are things like TVs and fridges – most people aren’t aware that they should be treated as hazardous waste when disposing of them.

Other more obvious types of COSHH waste produced are: pesticides, aerosols, oils,  paints, solvents and gas cylinders / gas canisters.

To comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), employers must carry out a risk assessment for any hazardous materials on their premises. Safety data sheets are the best way to ensure you have all necessary information on chemical products.

All offices will have some form of hazardous waste over time, and will need hazardous waste disposal in London. This is because small quantities of hazardous waste are in laptops, fluorescent bulbs, fridges, TVs, and many more common office items.

To comply with waste legislation, only use a registered waste carrier that supplies all necessary paperwork. By receiving a hazardous waste consignment note (which acts like a waste transfer note), the duty of care passes from you the producer to the carrier of the waste. This is where trying to pay less and get a much cheaper collection actually puts you at more risk. Paying to dispose of waste properly is also a kind of insurance – if you don’t you risk heavy fines as the duty of care would still legally be yours.

When it comes to hazardous waste disposal in London or COSHH recycling, it is very important to have a compliant service. Receiving the correct paperwork, and having your waste disposed of through the correct waste stream is really important to ensure that you are covered.

Any hazardous waste collections from commercial premises should be accompanied by a hazardous waste consignment note.

If you need to store your hazardous items before collection, make sure you keep them separated from other waste. Consider also any fire risks, e.g. don’t store it in direct sunlight. And try to have them collected soon rather than putting it off (for example, some batteries can corrode and leak material).

A hazardous waste consignment note is just a more detailed waste transfer note. This is because hazardous waste requires much more careful tracking. For example, they include the “process that gave rise to” the hazardous waste.

Please note, waste arising from a domestic household doesn’t require a consignment note, but hazardous or COSHH waste arising from any commercial premises does require one.