Hazardous waste is waste that is harmful to people or the environment. GOV.UK guidance on how to classify different types of waste explains that waste is hazardous when it has hazardous properties, and that it is identified using the List of Waste. This article explains what hazardous waste is, how it is classified in England and what we need from businesses before a collection.
What is hazardous waste under UK law?
According to GOV.UK, waste is generally classed as hazardous if it, or the material or substances it contains, are harmful to humans or the environment. GOV.UK lists examples including asbestos, chemicals such as brake fluid or print toner, batteries, solvents, pesticides, oils (except edible ones), equipment containing ozone depleting substances and hazardous waste containers.
How hazardous waste is classified
The Environment Agency's Technical Guidance WM3, Waste Classification is the main reference for assessing waste. WM3 explains how to assign a List of Waste code, also called an EWC (European Waste Catalogue) code, to each waste stream.
- Each code has six digits.
- Codes marked with an asterisk are hazardous.
- Some codes are "mirror entries", where the waste may be hazardous or non hazardous depending on its composition.
WM3 sets out hazardous properties, coded HP1 to HP15, such as flammable, irritant, toxic and ecotoxic.
Who is responsible for classification?
GOV.UK guidance on how to dispose of hazardous waste states that businesses must classify their waste before it is sent for recycling or disposal. Responsibility for correct classification sits with the waste producer. Where a waste stream is unclear, speak to our team rather than guessing.
Common examples on commercial sites
Hazardous wastes collected from workshops, laboratories, schools and industrial sites often include:
- Waste oils, collected through our waste oil disposal service.
- Solvents and thinners, covered by solvent disposal.
- Laboratory chemicals, covered by laboratory waste disposal.
- Other chemical products, covered by chemical waste disposal.
What we need before a collection
Before we can quote for or collect hazardous waste, we require:
- a copy of the SDS (Safety Data Sheet, sometimes still called an MSDS) for each product or substance
- an assigned EWC code for each waste stream
- a description of the waste, including where it came from and the quantity
We cannot collect or accept unidentified or unknown waste. If a waste is unknown, the process is:
- You speak to our team and describe the waste, with at least an approximate idea of what it is (its source, the process it came from, original labels and an SDS if available).
- Our team reviews the information.
- If further identification is required, and only if agreed with you, we can arrange a testing and analysis service.
- Once the waste is identified and classified, a collection can be arranged.
Speak to our team
To discuss your hazardous waste, contact the Hazardous Disposal team with your SDS and EWC codes to hand.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute professional, legal or chemical advice. Waste producers are legally responsible for correctly classifying their waste. For guidance on your specific waste, please contact our team.