It’s easy to think that only large industrial businesses create hazardous waste, yet even the smallest shops, offices, schools and property renovation projects can generate waste that needs to be disposed of in a compliant manner. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to the many types of hazardous waste and how to manage them.

What is hazardous waste?

Multiple types of waste are considered hazardous, even some that are common in most households. Some are solid and others are in liquid form, but what all of these types of waste share in common is that they pose a health risk to humans, animals and the environment if improperly stored and transported.

If you have any hazardous waste on your premises, it’s important that you have it removed by a professional waste management company.

Types of hazardous waste

Many everyday products and items are classed as hazardous waste, so here’s a list to help you understand whether or not the waste generated by your business needs to be removed by a professional waste management company:

·         Chemicals

·         Aerosols

·         Cleaning agents

·         Paint

·         Oils

·         Solvents

·         Asbestos

·         Batteries

·         Pesticides

·         Fluorescent light tubes

·         Oily/contaminated rags

·         WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

·         Hazardous packaging

·         Problem waste and difficult waste

Whilst some of the above materials and substances are obvious examples of hazardous waste (e.g. chemicals and pesticides), others such as batteries and fluorescent light tubes are often wrongly discarded in regular bins. This can lead to a business getting in trouble with its local authority, the Environment Agency and other governing bodies that deal with the correct treatment of hazardous waste.

Asbestos removal and disposal

Asbestos is a particularly commonplace type of hazardous waste that can be found in the most surprising of places. We’re regularly contacted by businesses and property developers who have unexpectedly come across signs of asbestos. If this happens to you, it’s crucial that you close off the area and get in touch with Wastege to book an asbestos survey right away.

Due to asbestos being highly hazardous to health, we’ll treat your case as a priority and send over specialists from the trusted laboratories that we work with. A sample will be taken and we’ll provide you with the lab results within a few days. If it turns out that there is indeed asbestos on your premises, we’ll then organise the comprehensive removal and disposal of this dangerous material in line with all current regulations.

Hazardous waste disposal

No matter what the quantity and frequency of hazardous waste removal you require, we’re here to provide an unparalleled service that’s tailored to your exact needs. From one-off waste transportation to long-term waste management contracts, Wastege will ensure that all of your hazardous and non-hazardous waste is safely moved and disposed of at a registered facility. Our process is fully documented too, so you’ll always have the official paperwork for your records.

Book your hazardous waste removal

For all kinds of hazardous waste removal, asbestos disposal and commercial waste recycling services, get in touch with Wastege today on 0800 756 3997 or fill in our contact form.