What is Classed as Hazardous Waste?
What is Classed as Hazardous Waste?
Waste is usually classed as hazardous if it contains materials that could be dangerous for people and/or the environment. Hazardous waste is not just limited to waste generated by businesses or factories; specific household waste can also be considered hazardous.
Hazardous waste requires special handling to ensure that they are disposed of in the right way. Let’s delve a little deeper into hazardous waste and how Walsh Bros can help you.
Types of Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste, also called special waste in Scotland, requires special handling to ensure no harmful substances or toxins are released into the environment where they can do harm. In Scotland, there are strict regulations put in place by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on how to deal with all kinds of waste. Some examples of things that are generally regarded as hazardous waste include:
- acids
- batteries
- chemicals, such as brake fluid or print toner
- asbestos
- pesticides
- solvents
- equipment containing ozone depleting substances, like fridges
- trade effluent
- oils (except edible ones), such as car oil
- hazardous waste containers
It is a long list and it’s not completely exhaustive. Depending on your business, you might generate other types of waste which will also require specialist handling. If you do ever have any type of questions, please contact Walsh Bros for any waste disposal management queries.
How To Dispose Of Hazardous Waste
What happens if you don’t dispose of hazardous waste correctly? For starters, it can cause some serious environmental damage.
Toxic chemicals and substances could leak into soil and water, causing unimaginable environmental damage. It could take years or even decades for nature to recover from the impact. Depending on the waste, there can also be a significant risk to public health.
This is why there are dedicated recycling centres dotted all around the country where you can take your household hazardous waste, such as pesticides, batteries, car batteries, paints and different types of oil.
For industrial waste disposal, businesses will have to go through companies like ourselves. Walsh Bros is a SEPA licensed business, qualified to dispose of all kinds of hazardous and special waste generated. Our specialists can help you identify what waste disposal services might be required and will help package, segregate and label your waste for correct disposal.
Hazardous Waste Disposal with Walsh Brothers
If you have hazardous waste at your premises that needs to be disposed of, get in touch today at 01258 214 507 for our SEPA-licensed waste disposal services.
Walsh Brothers don’t just deal with hazardous waste, we offer a wide array of industrial waste management services, including septic tank maintenance and industrial cleaning. Visit our hazardous waste disposal page for additional information on our services offered.
