Hazardous Household Waste
Hazardous waste is essentially waste that contains hazardous properties that may render it harmful to human health or the environment. The term 'hazardous' does not always mean that such waste is immediately toxic, though some can be. There are strict regulations surrounding hazardous waste and its disposal.
The European Commission issued a Directive on the controlled management of such wastes and hazardous waste was then defined on the basis of a list known as the European Waste Catalogue. This list was transposed into national legislation, called the Hazardous Waste Regulations for England and came into force on 16 July 2005.
The revised list includes, besides asbestos and chemicals, a number of waste streams not previously considered to be hazardous. These include:
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
- Televisions and computer monitors (waste containing cathode ray tubes)
- Fluorescent lighting
- Batteries
- End of Life Vehicles Scrap cars
- All oils (except edible)
- Photographic chemicals
- Paints and majority of wood preservatives
Follow the links for information about how to safely dispose or recycle them.
The best course of action is to try not to generate hazardous household waste in the first place. Disposal can be very expensive so you will save yourself money and time by using pesticides up, having your oil changed at a certified garage and having your asbestos removed by a specialist company.
If you find you have small amounts (up to about 2.5 litres) of hazardous chemicals in the home that are stored in a container or containers (cans, bottles, etc) that can be readily and safely transported in a car you can take them to your local Community Recycling Centre. All sites have storage facilities for small amounts of this type of waste.
If you find yourself with larger quantities of hazardous waste in the home, contact Surrey County Council on 08456 009 009 for advice on safe disposal.
For Difficult/Hazardous/Toxic wastes found in/on commercial premises please contact Environment Agency office on 08708 506 506.
For Clinical Waste Collections from the home please contact your local council.
If you find such wastes in public places, at any time of the day or night, you should immediately call the Environment Agency's Emergency Hotline - free phone 0800 80 70 60 or your local police or fire station.
If an answer phone is in use, please leave your name, address, telephone number, and as much detail as possible to ensure a fast and appropriate response. The officer dealing with your information will then follow the appropriate procedure. Some procedures will also involve the Environment Agency whose advice should be followed wherever practicable.