Is your business disposing of hazardous waste in the UK? Here’s what you need to know…
If your business is disposing of hazardous waste in the UK, you must comply with strict regulations or face a substantial fine.
So, it’s time to consider tapping into the experience of expert waste consultants who work regularly in this field.
Before you consider disposing of hazardous waste, you must understand the composition of your waste and its classification.
How to identify hazardous waste
Waste is hazardous if it is a threat to the health of humans or to the environment.
Your business has a duty of care to the public, your staff, and the environment. You must avoid allowing it to harm anyone or cause pollution.
Hazardous waste includes…
- chemicals, including brake fluid or print toner
- asbestos
- solvents
- batteries
- non-edible oils
- pesticides
- equipment like fridges and freezers containing ozone depleting substances
It must be stored separately to non-hazardous waste.
How should it be classified?
Hazardous waste must be described and classified to ensure it is stored correctly, moved in the right way, and sent to the correct facility for disposal.
Each class of waste has a classification code, helping waste management and disposal businesses to stay within the law when they transport it or process it.
So, you must note the names of the substances contained in it, how it was produced, and where it originated.
What else do you need for haz waste disposal in the UK?
You’ll need a correctly filled-in consignment note so that your waste carrier will be able to move it and take it to the processing plant.
There is different paperwork for waste destined for export, and for waste which has been imported.
If you’re a building contractor, you will also need a consignment note for asbestos removed from a residential property.
Then, you’ll need to use a licensed, reputable company to transport and dispose of the waste.
There are different certifications for different types of waste, so make sure you ask to see those which are relevant to your waste.
Ensure they are using a licensed facility as your business remains responsible for disposing of the hazardous waste correctly even after it leaves your site.
If you fail to do this and waste is dumped or handled improperly, you could face a large fine and substantial clear-up costs.
Don’t attempt to handle this kind of waste yourself.
It’s not worth the risk to your health or to your business.
Do you need help disposing of hazardous waste in the UK? Contact us today and we will be able to give you a quote.
