Hazardous waste

Waste is hazardous when it contains substances or has properties that might make it harmful to human health or the environment.

The term ‘hazardous’ does not always mean that such waste is immediately toxic, though some can be. By improving the way in which we manage all wastes classified as hazardous, we reduce the risk they might pose now and in the future.

The most common types of hazardous waste produced by householders are shown below. Devon County Council provides facilities at all recycling centres to handle reasonable quantities of hazardous waste produced by householders.

• Bonded asbestos products (eg sheets, pipes and tiles)

  Asbestos is not classified as household waste and as such Devon County Council is not obliged to accept any asbestos for disposal. However, a chargeable service is provided at recycling centres whereby small quantities of asbestos may be disposed of. See Asbestos for further information.

• Spent engine oils and vehicle batteries

  Engine oil (up to 5 litres) and car batteries are acceptable at recycling centres.

• LPG gas cylinders

  These may be taken to your nearest recycling centre for disposal. Alternatively, they may be returned to an agent/retailer of the LPG supplier.

• Old paint

  Reasonable quantities of old paint can be accepted at recycling centres.

  If the tin contains sufficient paint of a standard which may be used by others, please bring this to the attention of the operator at the recycling centre.

  If the partially empty or old paint tin (whether oil based or emulsion) is of a standard which cannot be used, then please doubled-wrap each tin in plastic bags. This will help avoid spillage if it is crushed during the disposal process.

• Hazardous/Toxic wastes, eg weed killers, solvents, bleaches, old medicines, petrol, diesel

  Up to 5 litres of these wastes can be accepted from householders at recycling centres, where measures to handle and store such wastes are in place. All wastes in this category must be handed over to the site operator at the recycling centre in a suitable, secure container, with the contents clearly marked or they will not be accepted.

  Empty containers should be thoroughly rinsed before depositing at recycling centres.

  Old medicines can also be handed-in at your local pharmacy who may dispose of it on your behalf. You may also wish to consider giving surplus fuel to a neighbour to use, for example, in a lawn mower.

• Televisions

  There is a separate collection of televisions and computer monitors at recycling centres.

• Fridges

  Fridges are acceptable at recycling centres.

• Fluorescent tubes

  Up to 5 tubes are acceptable per household in a six month period at recycling centres.