What is Hazardous Waste?
Any items that are considered corrosive, explosive, flammable or poisonous are referred to as hazardous. To protect humans and animals, they need to be disposed of in a safe manner, usually at dedicated recycling centres, and not thrown into skips or added to general household waste.
Many items that we use in our day-to-day lives can be hazardous waste, and special rubbish clearance processes are required. The following items are all considered hazardous for various reasons:
Car Tyres
Tyres don't biodegrade and can take up a significant amount of space in landfills. Moreover, burning tyres releases harmful toxins, so they should be disposed of at dedicated recycling centres – household waste collections and skip hire are not suitable methods for disposing of tyres. Garages should provide a tyre disposal service when you purchase new tyres, making it convenient and ensuring proper disposal.
Cloths Used for Timber Staining
Cloths covered in wood stain, oil or other such substances can spontaneously combust. So, before throwing them away, leave them to dry outside. Once completely dry, you can dispose of them via your normal rubbish removal method. Alternatively, you can soak them in a bucket of water to eliminate any risk of combustion before disposing of them.
Mercury Thermometers
Mercury thermometers are commonly found in older homes in the Romford area. Mercury is a dangerous substance that needs to be handled with care. Local hospitals or environmental agencies may have specific collection and waste removal programmes to safely dispose of mercury thermometers and other mercury-containing devices. It's important to reach out to them for proper guidance on disposal.
Nail Varnish Remover
Nail varnish remover is highly flammable. It is essential to ensure tissues or cotton pads used with it are fully dried before disposing of them in a separate bin bag and tying it securely. Additionally, consider using non-acetone-based nail varnish removers, as they are less flammable and pose a lower risk.
Older Computer Monitors
Older computer monitors also need to be disposed of carefully as they contain metals that can contaminate landfill sites. These monitors should be properly disposed of at dedicated recycling centres or via electronic waste removal schemes. Many electronic retailers and recycling centres offer free recycling programmes for old computer monitors and other electronic devices. Many rubbish clearance companies will also collect electronic waste however, skip hire generally cannot be used for electrical appliances.
Various Medications
Medicines can be harmful if ingested and can pose a risk to aquatic life. Unused medications should be taken back to your pharmacist in Romford or the surrounding areas for proper disposal. Many pharmacies and healthcare facilities have take-back programmes or provide guidance on how to safely dispose of medications to prevent accidental ingestion or environmental contamination.
Printer Cartridges
Printer cartridges are not biodegradable and can linger in landfills for hundreds of years. Although they can be reused, it is important to dispose of the old ones at a suitable location. Many office supply stores and cartridge manufacturers offer recycling programmes where you can drop off your used cartridges for proper recycling and disposal.
Other Types of Hazardous Waste
The following are other types of hazardous waste requiring special rubbish removal:
-
Batteries
-
Asbestos
-
Solvents
-
Pesticides
-
Brake fluid, print toner and other chemicals
-
Oils (except edible ones), such as car oil
-
Hazardous waste containers
-
Fluorescent lightbulbs
-
Pharmaceutical waste
-
Fridges, freezers and any equipment containing ozone-depleting substances
G&S Waste Management can safely collect and dispose of a range of waste as part of our rubbish clearance and skip hire services. This includes office waste, WEEE waste, plasterboard, fluorescent tubes and more for clients in Romford and the surrounding areas. We focus on domestic and commercial rubbish removal, recycling as much as 96% of the products and materials collected from your home or premises.
For more information about our waste removal services, please contact us by calling the number below.
