What is hazardous waste, and how to dispose of it
Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste is any solid or liquid that may cause harm to people or the environment if not disposed of correctly.
It's illegal to dispose of hazardous items incorrectly, and can result in you being issued with a fine of up to £5,000.
The following are examples of hazardous waste that you might have at home:
- paint
- thinners such as white spirit
- de-scalers
- stain removers
- drain cleaners
- electrical equipment
- gas cylinders
- batteries (all types)
- fluorescent light tubes or lamps
- glues
- photographic chemicals
- oven cleaners
- swimming pool cleaners
- used cooking oil
- items containing cathode ray tubes (for example, televisions, computer monitors)
- asbestos
- garden products (pesticides, fertilizers)
- car maintenance products (brake fluid, anti-freeze)
Disposal of hazardous waste
Leftover chemicals should never be thrown into your rubbish bin or poured down your drains, sinks or toilets.
Residents may take some hazardous waste items to their nearest household recycling centre for disposal. For further information visit the Norfolk County Council's 'Rubbish and recycling' section or call 0344 800 8020.
Norfolk County Council holds annual Hazardous Waste Amnesty Days at the main recycling centres. Here residents can take items such as paint to be disposed. These amnesty days are published on Norfolk County Council's hazardous waste page.
If you have difficulty disposing of your hazardous waste items, we may be able to provide a hazardous waste collection from your home. Please be aware that this collection service is limited to hazardous household waste which cannot be easily and appropriately disposed of elsewhere.
Businesses
We do not collect hazardous waste from businesses. You'll need to contact an authorised firm to collect this type of waste.