Is Your Business Producing Hazardous Waste?

by Envirogreen

Published on this site: August 19th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

Environmental and health concerns have led to a widening of the definition of "hazardous waste". Most people assume that this term refers only to toxic, chemical or industrial waste, but in fact all businesses are probably now producing some form of hazardous waste that needs to be disposed of carefully and legally.

So, how do you know if you're about to throw away something that's classified as hazardous waste? Follow the checklist below, which isn't exhaustive, but which does cover everyday business items that you might throw in the skip without thinking about it:

• Fluorescent strip lighting
  
• Acid lead, mercury and NiCad batteries
  
• Pesticides, including domestic garden pesticides
  
• Certain paints and decorating products
  
• Oils
  
• Solvents
  
• Aerosols
  
• Redundant IT equipment
  
• Old televisions
  
• Scrap cars
  
• Fridges, freezers and air conditioning systems
  
• Chemical, manufacturing or other industrial waste

If your business produces waste in any of these areas, you need to be sure that you are arranging legal disposal. In the UK, many local authorities have put aside areas at public waste sites where you can dispose of small quantities of hazardous waste, but if you produce any of the above regularly, or in any volume, you must arrange for a registered company to collect and dispose of it.

If you are unsure about the classification of the waste your business produces, then seek the advice of an expert. Hazardous waste disposal companies have the knowledge and experience to help you identify and categorise the waste you produce and give you advice on putting together a disposal plan. Depending on how much waste you produce, you can set up a regular collection facility which ensures that your waste is never allowed to build up beyond acceptable levels, and is always disposed of legally and safely.

If you don't have any provision for hazardous waste disposal, or you didn't realise that some of the items in the above list had be classified as hazardous, then you need to get advice as soon as possible.