Sending hazardous waste to landfill

Before sending hazardous waste to landfill, you should see if you can reduce the amount through recycling and recovering as much as possible.

You must dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site that is authorised to accept it.

Some non-hazardous landfill sites may be able to take certain stable non-reactive hazardous wastes.

Hazardous waste landfill sites may not be able to take all types of hazardous waste. A hazardous waste landfill will only accept a certain type of hazardous waste if:

  • the landfill owner's licence or permit allows it 
  • certain waste acceptance criteria (WAC) are met and 
  • the landfill operator is prepared to accept it.

Your hazardous waste must be treated before it can be sent to landfill. Treatment means physical, thermal, chemical or biological processes, including sorting, that change the characteristics of the waste to:

  • reduce its volume 
  • reduce its hazardous nature 
  • make it safe to handle 
  • make it easier to recover.

Liquid wastes cannot be sent to a landfill site.

The Environment Agency has published detailed guidance on landfill acceptance requirements and problematic waste types.

Contact landfill operators directly to find out how much you will be charged for sending your hazardous waste to landfill. Charges may vary from site to site.

For further information on landfill issues, see our landfill guidance.

In this guideline: