Hazardous Waste And How To Remove It

It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste with your household rubbish and as a result, it can be tricky to know where to turn. As the UK’s largest ‘Man and Van’ style rubbish clearance company, we can help to point you in the right direction. So, whether it’s car tyres, paint cans or solvents, let’s take a look:

Asbestos

Whether licenced or unlicenced asbestos, most local councils offer an asbestos removal service or will direct you towards the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) for professional advice. Although you are able to remove asbestos yourself, the list of precautions that need to be taken are lengthy and the hazards are potentially fatal. Most recycling centres will accept amounts of asbestos from local households but you should check locally before making any arrangements.

Asbestos is a waste stream that Clearabee cannot ordinarily remove due to health and safety or compliance concerns, but if you contact us first, we can usually provide a bespoke solution.

Biological or Medical waste

Biological or medical waste cannot be disposed of along with your household waste. Some local councils will collect used syringes, drugs, pharmaceuticals and surgical waste, although there may be a charge incurred for this service.

Medical waste is a stream that we cannot ordinarily remove due to health and safety or compliance, but if you contact us, we can more often than not provide a bespoke solution.

Car batteries

Like car tyres, most specialist garages will responsibly dispose of your old car batteries on your behalf when they replace it with your brand-new battery. Some may charge a small fee for this service but it is usually included in the price. Disused car batteries can also be disposed of at local household recycling centres, participating garages and scrap metal facilities.

Car tyres

There’s no point reinventing the wheel (or the tyre) so if you have tyres that you want to get rid of, then please head over to our article on how to responsibly dispose of old tyres.

Commercial fridges, freezers, aircon units or chiller cabinets

Fridges, freezers and the like are harmful to the environment due to Ozone Depleting Substances (‘ODS’) such as CFCs or HCFCs and are illegal to dispose of in any way which might release these chemicals. Some local household recycling centres will responsibly dispose of these items for you but be sure to check their websites for details before arranging removals.

Clearabee can remove hazardous waste streams such as fluorescent tubes, fridges, freezers, TV’s and monitors although extra charges will usually apply. Details of this should be discussed at the moment of booking your rubbish removal so we can be sure to provide the most suitable service for you.

Fire extinguishers

Foam or powder fire extinguishers can be dropped off at your local recycling centre, as can water and C02 extinguishers. In the cases of water and CO2, these should be discharged as per the manufacturer’s instructions but it is not recommended that foam or powder extinguishers are discharged by anyone other than a qualified individual.

Gas canisters or bottles

Gas canisters cannot be removed with your household waste due to the risk of explosion. These should be returned to the original supplier to be refilled and reused. Alternatively, some local household waste recycling centres will accept gas canisters and bottles and reuse them.

Oil, petrol or diesel

When it comes to oil, petrol and diesel, RecycleNow advises that you check with your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. They may be able to accept and dispose of a small amount themselves or will be able to advise you on how to responsibly dispose of it. It goes without saying that oil, petrol and diesel and flammable and pose environmental hazards and the possibility of personal injury.

Paint and tins containing paint

There are several options available to you if you’re looking to get rid of, reuse or recycle paint or paint tins. To find out more, check out our article on how to recycle paint and paint cans.

Raw meat or fish (unless packaged)

Raw and partially cooked meat and fish are prohibited from being sent to landfill due to the hazards it presents. This is a waste stream that Clearabee cannot ordinarily remove due to health and safety or compliance considerations, but if you get in touch with our friendly office staff, we can usually provide a suitable solution instead.

Solvents and Toxic waste

Solvents and toxic waste may present an environmental hazard and a threat to both humans and wildlife if disposed of incorrectly. Again, some local councils provide a disposal service, but you should check online before making any arrangements. There are some waste streams Clearabee cannot usually remove due to health and safety or compliance, but if you contact our office team, we can usually provide a specialist solution.

It’s important to add that you handle hazardous waste entirely at your own risk and this article is not an exhaustive list of the regulations governing waste removal. Please seek assistance from the Environmental Health Agency and or independent legal advice where necessary.

About Clearabee

Clearabee operates nationwide on-demand rubbish clearance and waste removal services, with over 120 vehicles and 300 directly employed staff. Our core services include our industry-leading rubbish clearance service as well as our skip bag, skip hire and sofa removal services.

Clearabee has been ranked as the fastest-growing waste management company in Europe for 3 years running and featured on The Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track for the last two years.