Last Updated on 11 September 2025 by Kim Ormsby
More than 5.3 million tonnes of hazardous waste is disposed of from households and businesses every year, and to ensure the proper segregation and disposal of this waste, we must understand how it’s categorised and how to handle it correctly. This article explores the intricacies of identifying, classifying, and safely disposing of hazardous waste, with a spotlight on the critical role of specialised waste management services.
What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is waste that is considered harmful to humans or the environment. This doesn’t mean it has to be an immediate risk to human health, although some can be. It includes items such as solvents, asbestos, chemicals, batteries, pesticides, oils and hazardous waste containers. Hazardous waste can come in various forms, from gas to solid, liquid and sludge. It causes harm due to the effects of its properties e.g. it might be corrosive, flammable, carcinogenic, infectious or toxic. All hazardous waste is classified in the European Waste Catalogue (or List of Wastes). Hazardous wastes are regulated because of their risk of danger to humans, animals and the environment.
What are some examples of hazardous waste?
Here are some examples of hazardous waste across the various waste types. These may be relevant for manufacturing businesses, healthcare facilities and other industries:
- Medicines
- Batteries
- Chemicals such as brake fluid, paint and cleaning agents
- Biocides
- Adhesives
- Effluents
- Fluorescent tubes
- Pressurised cylinders
- Radioactive materials
- Asbestos
- Solvents
- Equipment containing ozone-depleting substances such as refrigerators
- Aerosoles
- Oils and used oil filters
- Electrical equipment
What are the four main types of hazardous waste?
The classification of hazardous waste into categories helps when it comes to identifying, handling and disposing of waste. These are the four main types recognised and are defined by their physical, chemical and biological characteristics as well as their potential effect on health and the environment.
Hazardous universal waste
Hazardous universal waste are common items widely found across various sectors and within many households. They include items such as pesticides, batteries, thermometers, and fluorescent tube bulbs that contain hazardous components. Categorising these together encourages environmentally conscious disposal and reduces the amount of hazardous waste entering landfills.
Hazardous mixed waste
This is hazardous chemical waste and radioactive waste, typically generated in some healthcare facilities, nuclear power plants and research laboratories. Hazardous mixed waste calls for stringent handling, treatment and disposal procedures, with management strategies aiming to tackle its complexity to ensure that both radioactive and hazardous chemical aspects are appropriately addressed.
Hazardous chemical waste
This type of hazardous waste is waste that has been in contact with or contaminated with chemicals. This type of hazardous waste includes acids, reactive chemicals and solvents. Identification of the specific hazards associated with each chemical is important here e.g. toxicity, flammability, reactivity, and corrosivity. Regulatory frameworks ensure producers of hazardous chemical waste follow guidelines to prevent environmental contamination and endangerment to the public.
Hazardous listed waste
Hazardous listed waste is waste from industrial or manufacturing processes that are classified as hazardous. This waste has a few sub-types including F-list wastes (from a nonspecific source), K–list wastes (from specific sources) typically generated from industries such as iron and steel production, pesticide manufacturing etc. P-list and U-list wastes are specific commercial chemical products disposed of, but unused.
How is hazardous waste identified?
Hazardous waste is identified by the Hazardous Waste List incorporated in the European Waste Catalogue. Before hazardous waste is disposed of, it needs to be identified, classified and assessed in accordance with its properties.
If you are a waste producer, you are required to ensure that waste meets the Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC), so basic characterisation of waste early on is important.
The Environment Agency has technical guidance that should be followed when assessing waste, along with HTM 07-01 Safe and Sustainable Management of Health Care Waste 2022. Check the waste code associated with your waste to analyse if it has a correlation with hazardous and POPs waste. In some cases, there may be more than one classification, depending on the mix of substances. Always check the label and packaging, as some products may have an orange and black danger symbol or a red and white hazard icon to show they’re hazardous. If unclear, refer to manufacturers’ product safety data sheets to assess waste appropriately. Samples can also be sent to a laboratory for testing. A waste management specialist should be able to advise and identify, classify and dispose of this waste properly.
How should hazardous waste be stored before it is disposed of?
Hazardous waste should be stored securely and safely, separated from non-hazardous waste. Hazardous waste should be stored in appropriate bags and containers to prevent leaks, contaminations and accidents that might come from improper handling. It should be labelled with the nature of the waste and hazard symbols within the colour-coded waste bags. It’s important to segregate hazardous waste to prevent chemical reactions between incompatible materials and prevent the release of toxic gases and fires. Storage areas should only be accessible by authorised individuals in a well-ventilated area, and accurate records should be made of hazardous waste such as quantities, and storage dates. Regulations such as the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 must be adhered to when dealing with hazardous waste. Clinical waste should be disposed of according to HTM 07-01 Safe and Sustainable Management of Healthcare Waste 2022 and arranged by licensed waste management contractors.
How can hazardous waste be disposed of?
All hazardous waste should be disposed of in a safe and lawful manner. Disposal methods for hazardous waste are different from those for non-hazardous waste with only certain waste disposal businesses having authorisation to deal with such waste. A Hazardous Waste Consignment Note must be filled in and waste should be segregated properly, taking it to an authorised waste site.
Hazardous waste is disposed of in the following ways at authorised waste sites:
- Treating: this includes treating using chemical, biological, thermal or physical methods and incineration.
- Recycling: some hazardous universal waste products like batteries and electrical waste can be recycled. This involves separation of recyclable materials to reuse while disposing of hazardous parts safely.
Why choose Anenta for hazardous waste disposal services?
Anenta’s hazardous waste disposal services are customisable to your unique needs and cover a wide range of hazardous waste types.
- When acting as your waste broker, we ensure our trusted hazardous waste disposal contractors comply with regulations and provide you with a smooth and stress-free operation.
- By choosing a reliable waste management partner, you avoid cost escalation and negative environmental impacts from improper hazardous waste servicing.
- We help improve waste reduction and the secure and safe handling of hazardous waste disposal driven by our technological analysis and implementation of waste strategies.
- We provide solutions for any issues you have in waste stream management and offer expert assistance to find cost-saving opportunities whilst championing compliance across your business.
In conclusion, understanding and managing hazardous waste is imperative for the protection of human health and the environment. Here, we outlined the definition of hazardous waste and its differing types, along with examples and how to store and dispose of hazardous waste safely. By working with a waste management partner like Anenta businesses can navigate challenges with hazardous waste disposal efficiently, with confidence in compliance to achieve cost-effective waste management solutions. Get in contact today to find out how we can help you.
