A major advantage of skip hire is that most types of waste can be disposed of with confidence; Soil, bricks, cardboard, garden waste, plastics, metal, old furniture, kitchen and bathroom fittings – all of these can be thrown in a skip and dealt with by us at our on-site sorting centre.
But there are some types of waste that need different handling, and that cannot be disposed of in your skip. Waste is classified as ‘hazardous’ if it has the potential to harm our health or the environment. Hazardous waste includes: plasterboard, asbestos, tyres, paint, light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, gas bottles, vehicle batteries, fridges and freezers, solvents, pesticides, and oil and chemicals.
Hazardous waste, whether produced, received or transported, is subject to stringent regulations within the UK. More details and information can be found via the Environment Agency website. (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk).
So, what can you do with hazardous waste?
Your hazardous waste must be stored safely and securely, in suitable containers, away from possible weather-related issues, animal incursions or anything else that could expose hazardous waste to the environment.
Asbestos was widely used for insulation, but is now banned in the UK. When damaged or disturbed fibres can be released, these can be highly toxic. To dispose of household asbestos, you’ll need to apply for a waste permit, and check how much you can legally dispose of – there are limits on how much can be accepted.
All wood, metal and glass will need to be removed, and the asbestos itself will likely need to be double-bagged.
Plasterboard is a common type of hazardous household waste, which is made of gypsum, which can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. It needs to be properly disposed of, and all wood and tiles removed.
Fridges need separate disposal from other items, because they need to have their powerful gases removed safely. Other Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) items should be disposed of properly to ensure the treatment and recovery of the metals and chemicals inside. WEEE contains toxic chemicals which can leach out and harm the environment. TV and computer screens can also contain dangerous and unpleasant metals and chemicals.
Responsibility
Here at Wellington Waste, we take our commitment towards sustainable waste management and supporting the environment very seriously. We encourage you, where possible, to use council recycling or other schemes to get rid of your hazardous waste responsibly.
For more information, call us on 01823 664628, or email at enquiries@wellingtonwaste.co.uk where a member of our team will be happy to help.
