Skip to navigation

Hazardous waste

More than five million tonnes of hazardous waste is produced each year in England and Wales. Due to legislation, waste classed as hazardous must be disposed of separately to non-hazardous waste. This lowers the risk of damage to the environment and human health.

What is hazardous waste?

Waste is classed as hazardous when it contains substances or properties that might make it harmful to human health or the environment. As well as chemicals, asbestos and other toxic materials, the European Commission now classes some everyday items to be hazardous, such as batteries and PC monitors.

How do I dispose of hazardous waste?

Asbestos or chemicals

The City of London's hazardous waste collection service will collect asbestos or chemicals from your home, provided they are packaged ready for collection. Residents are entitled to one free asbestos collection and three chemical refuse collections per year.

See the City of London's hazardous waste removal information or you can call them on 020 7332 3433.

Find out more about asbestos from the following links

Batteries

Both car batteries and normal household batteries can be disposed of at the the Reuse and recycling centre at Devon Street (off Old Kent Road).

Household clinical and health care waste

Find out about Southwark's household clinical and health care waste collection service.

Computers and related equipment

Any equipment that is in working order but no longer needed can be recycled and sent to developing countries. Visit the Realise Network website to find out how easy it is to recycle IT materials. Alternatively, contact the CRISP recycling project for further information.

Empty printer or toner cartridges can be collected by Green Care. Call 0800 502050 for further information. These can also be disposed of at the Reuse and recycling centre at Devon Street (off Old Kent Road).

Engine oil and central heating oil

This can be safely disposed of at the Reuse and recycling centre at Devon Street (off Old Kent Road).

Alternatively, have your engine oil changed at a certified garage and they will dispose of it properly.

Gas cylinders

Gas cylinders for heaters can usually be recycled by returning them to the shop where you bought them.

Mobile phones

You can recycle your mobile phone and any chargers and batteries through fonesforsafety. The following link opens in a new window Find out how to do this on the Offers website.

Pesticides

Pesticides are toxic, so don't throw them away or pour them down the drain. You can dispose of pesticides safely at the Reuse and recycling centre at Devon Street (off Old Kent Road).