Hazardous waste is waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment. This hazardous waste guidance is for businesses in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. If your business is based in Scotland, see Special Waste in Scotland.
What types of hazardous waste do you produce?
Almost all businesses will produce some hazardous waste, for example:
- clinical waste - human or animal tissue, blood or other bodily fluids, excretions, drugs or other pharmaceutical products, swabs or dressings including nappies, syringes, needles or other sharp instruments
- garage waste - lead acid batteries, contaminated rags, used oil/fuel filters, aerosols, antifreeze and brake fluids
- office waste - fluorescent tubes, energy-saving light bulbs, sodium lamps, toner and ink jet cartridges from printers and photocopiers and old computer monitors.
This guidance explains what hazardous waste is and the correct way of storing, transporting and disposing of it.
It will also help you to produce less hazardous waste, which will save you money in waste disposal costs and reduce your impact on the environment.
In this guideline:
