What are the Most Common Types of Hazardous Waste?

In recent years, hazardous waste disposal has become an important issue not least because of the range of waste types that are now classified as hazardous. From fly tipping which has blighted many communities up and down the country to hazardous by products of manufacturing and industrial production processes. As a leading recruiter filling hazardous waste jobs for Businesses as well as local and national government, Red Kite Waste strongly advocates safe and responsible disposal.

Whether you are a member of the public or a business, it is very important for you to know the most common type of hazardous waste streams that are produced. If you do not, you may get into trouble with the government authorities, the environment agency or other agencies for not complying with the proper handling and disposal methods. This is why you should have an understanding of the types of Hazardous Waste.

Common types of hazardous wastes include certain types of plastics, chemicals, glass, paper, metal and other substances that are commonly found in our daily lives. This will include things like paint, plastic bags, batteries and more.

We’ve created a basic guide to some of the everyday items that you may not immediately think of as hazardous:

Hidden Hazardous Waste

One type of hazardous waste that is not necessarily obvious is the aerosol can and its components. Some people may think that this is harmless because they are not dangerous. However, these types of cans can be very dangerous if they are not handled properly.

Combustible Waste

Another type of hazardous material is the combustible products used in a variety of industries. Examples of this include gasoline, kerosene, oil and other petroleum products. The reason that people need to know about this type of waste is because they can cause some serious environmental problems if not handled properly.

Corrosive Waste

You may not think so but another hazardous waste that we should all know about is batteries and their parts. Batteries are available in different forms such as lead acid, magnesium and bromine. If you are looking at recycling a laptop battery, then you need to make sure that you know about the various options that are available when it comes to recycling rather than just throwing this away with normal rubbish. Nowadays, some supermarkets offer battery bins for their customers to recycle everyday batteries used in household appliances and gadgets.

Construction Waste

Although wood offcuts, brick and block may not be considered hazardous, PVC, Linoleum, Plaster (Gypsum Drywall) and Asbestos are. Some local councils will handle this type of waste although there are many specialist hazardous waste contractors able to help.

Electronic Waste

Technology has been so transformative and accessible in the last decade that we now have to deal with increased disposal of numerous items that have become part of everyday life, such as TV’s, computers, video game consoles and mobile phones. Luckily, many of the components can be recycled.

Light Bulb Waste

Again, this type of hazardous waste is not obvious, but LED lights, fluorescent bulbs, CFL’s (compact fluorescent bulbs, HID bulbs and Incandescent bulbs all need careful disposal.)

E-Cigarette Waste

A few years ago, this product was in its infancy, however, in the last few years it has become mainstream as smokers switch to the product, but don’t forget when disposing of your old E-cigarettes -they are hazardous items.

Garage Waste

Its likely, there are many households up and down the country with used oil, solvents, acids, alkalis, solid paint wastes, old pesticides in the form of weed killer etc that must be disposed of with the utmost care.

Be Safe and Act Responsibly

Finally, whether you are a business or consumer, if you are unsure as to how to dispose of hazardous waste, consider contacting your local council or seek the advice of Specialist Waste Contractor or Consultant who will more than happy to help. If you are unsure please give Red Kite Waste a call and we can point you in the right direction as many of these contractors and consultants are our clients.

Andrew Askew

With over a decade of rich experience in recruitment, Andrew has established himself as a leading figure in the Waste, Recycling, and Quarrying sectors. His career is marked by a deep commitment to connecting talented individuals with the right opportunities, fostering career growth and organizational success. Follow Andrew on Linkedin.