Typically, waste is considered hazardous if it is flammable, toxic, explosive or corrosive. Common examples of hazardous waste include:
- Asbestos
- Motor oil
- Batteries
- Pesticides or herbicides
- Loose chemicals
If looking to carry, trade in or dispose of hazardous waste, particular steps must be observed. The waste must be separated from any other materials, and full records of the consignment maintained for at least one year.
In Scotland, hazardous waste is referred to as ‘special waste.’ Click here for guidance on handling special waste under the auspices of SEPA. Northern Ireland has a separate set of guidelines under the Hazardous Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) of 2005, while England and Wales share rules under similar legislation.
The regulations are broadly the same in every country. If you are going to handle hazardous waste, you must take all possible security steps, keep the waste separate and receive full and detailed documentation from the person or business you are handling the waste for.
Most importantly of all, you must dispose of the waste at an appropriately credited, licenced site. Not all waste handling sites are permitted to accept hazardous waste, so ensure that you are operating within the law.