Chapter 4 — Hazardous Waste Deep Dive

Some waste requires particular care.

A responsible waste operator should know what can and cannot be handled normally and when specialist arrangements are required.

Asbestos may be found in older roofing materials, insulation boards and other building products.

Damaged asbestos-containing material can release hazardous fibres.

Where asbestos is present, the correct course of action may involve specialist assessment, appropriate protective equipment, controlled removal and disposal through an authorised facility.

Never assume that asbestos can simply be loaded into an ordinary clearance vehicle.

Paints, solvents, oils, pesticides and other chemicals can contaminate soil and waterways if they are dumped or allowed to leak.

Containers can deteriorate over time, making previously contained substances an environmental hazard.

Contaminated land may require specialist assessment, excavation and controlled disposal.

Fridges and freezers can contain refrigerants and other materials that require appropriate treatment.

A legitimate disposal process allows these substances and recyclable materials to be dealt with correctly.

A rogue operator may simply abandon the appliance.

Tyres and mattresses are bulky and can be expensive to process.

Tyre fires can produce dense, harmful smoke, while discarded mattresses can attract vermin and become difficult to recycle once contaminated.

Mixed waste can create the worst-case scenario.

If asbestos fragments, oils, chemicals and household waste are all mixed together, separating and treating the material becomes considerably more complicated.

Costs can rise sharply.

Even if your own waste appears harmless, you may have no idea what else an irresponsible operator is carrying.

A rogue operator could combine your household waste with hazardous material from another job and dump everything together.

That is another reason why choosing the operator carefully matters.