Hazardous waste disposal

What is hazardous waste?

Hazardous waste refers to any waste containing materials or substances that could harm human health or the environment. This may include waste that is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. While some  hazardous waste poses an immediate risk, others can have long-term impacts on people and ecosystems. Because potential hazards aren’t always obvious, it’s essential to handle all hazardous materials responsibly and follow strict regulations for hazardous waste disposal.

At Hills Waste, we specialise in hazardous waste management for commercial and industrial clients, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and safeguarding the environment. You can check the full range of official waste classifications to confirm if your waste is considered hazardous—or simply call us at 0808 145 4533 to speak directly with our expert team.

Locations served

We proudly offer hazardous waste collection and disposal services across a wide region, including:

• Amesbury
• Andover
• Bath
• Bristol
• Cirencester
• Chippenham
• Devizes

• Faringdon
• Frome
• Malmesbury
• Marlborough
• Newbury
• Portishead
• Salisbury

• Shaftesbury
• Swindon
• Trowbridge
• Tidworth
• Warminster
• Weston-Super-Mare
• Yate

If you’re unsure whether your commercial hazardous waste requires special handling, or if you need guidance on proper hazardous waste disposal, our team is here to help. Contact Hills Waste Solutions at 0808 145 4533 today for expert advice and reliable service.

The dangers of hazardous waste

Hazardous waste can pose serious risks to human health, harm wildlife on land and in water, and lead to long-term damage to plants and trees. Some effects are immediate, such as skin contact with toxic substances, while others like mercury or lead contamination accumulate over time, entering the food chain through plants and animals and ultimately affecting people.

Key Risk Factors

• Large-volume releases or frequent discharges at a single location
• Any discharge into air, water, or land, leading to environmental contamination
• Accidental contact with human or animal skin or respiratory systems
• Improper storage or disposal, resulting in spills, leaks, fires, or other hazards

Given these potential dangers, environmentally responsible hazardous waste management is essential. At Hills Waste Solutions, we follow strict regulations to ensure your hazardous waste is collected, transported, and disposed of safely.

How is hazardous waste transported?

Every business producing hazardous waste must adhere to a duty of care, ensuring waste is handled and transported safely under strict regulations. Because hazardous materials can pose significant risks, additional controls and documentation are required for compliant hazardous waste transportation.

Key Requirements for Hazardous Waste Transport

• Registered or Exempt Waste Carrier
  Hazardous waste must be transported securely by a suitably licensed waste carrier using vehicles, containers, or tanks specifically suited to the waste classification.
• Even Weight Distribution
  Waste should be evenly distributed by weight to maintain safe handling and transport conditions.
• Consignment Notes
  Most hazardous waste shipments must include a consignment note (with limited exceptions) for proper tracking and legal compliance.
• Approved Facilities
  All hazardous waste should go to a facility with the appropriate pollution prevention and control permit, waste management licence, or a registered exemption.
• Correct Packaging and Labelling
  Proper labelling and packaging must be used, displaying required information on the vehicle or container and enabling people to take the correct precautions.
• Safe Loading and Unloading
  Vehicles and containers must follow established procedures to prevent spills, leaks, or accidents.

At Hills Waste Solutions, we provide a wide range of containers designed for hazardous waste collection, along with secure transport to authorised facilities. Our hazardous waste management services cover everything from classification to final disposal, ensuring your business remains compliant and environmentally responsible.

How is hazardous waste disposed of?

There’s no single method for hazardous waste disposal, as different materials require different handling processes and it is highly regulated to protect human health, wildlife, and the environment. Only authorised businesses with the appropriate permits can legally manage or dispose of hazardous materials. Failing to follow strict regulations can lead to contamination, substantial and expensive remedial actions, and legal consequences.

Specialist Disposal Methods

• Secure Landfills
  All types of Hazardous waste require specialist licenced and secure disposal facilities.
• Recycling & Repurposing
  Many hazardous materials - like fluorescent lightbulbs, batteries, oil-based paints, and propane tanks - can be recycled or repurposed when handled professionally.

Our Licensed Disposal Facilities

At Hills Waste Solutions, we operate specialist disposal facilities at Parkgate Farm in Purton, one of the few UK businesses licensed for hazardous waste landfill. This facility serves as the end destination for much of the hazardous waste we handle, and it’s also open to other licensed carriers upon application.

Our Hazardous Waste Disposal Process

1. Assess & Classify – We accurately classify your waste type.
2. Additional Testing – We confirm its legal acceptability for landfill.
3. Paperwork Guidance – We provide guidance on the correct paperwork required to be compliant.
4. Safe Secure Collection and Disposal – We transport your hazardous waste safely for final
   disposal.

If you need hazardous waste management support or have questions about compliance and best practices, call Hills Waste Solutions at 0808 145 4533. We’re here to help you navigate strict regulations and to support your business and the environment.

What we do with it

What responsibilities do businesses have with hazardous waste?

If you own or manage a business that produces hazardous waste, you have a legal obligation to handle and dispose of it correctly and safely. You must assess the potential risks of hazardous materials and take all necessary steps to support your business and the environment. Failure to comply with strict regulations can result in hefty fines or prosecution. Full details of businesses’ responsibilities regarding hazardous waste can be found here.

Key Legal Requirements

1. Separate Your Hazardous Waste
   It’s illegal to mix hazardous waste with other waste streams - this includes mixing different types of hazardous materials.
2. Store It Securely
   Always use a suitable container in a secure location to prevent leaks, spills, or unauthorised access.
3. Use a Licensed Waste Carrier
   Hazardous waste collection and transportation can only be carried out by an authorised operator with the correct permits.
4. Maintain Proper Records
   Consignment notes and related paperwork for transporting hazardous waste must be completed and retained for three years to demonstrate compliance.
   

Use a qualified and trusted waste management team

Take the stress out of hazardous waste management by relying on Hills Waste Solutions. Our specialist waste collection and treatment service ensures your hazardous materials are handled safely and in compliance with strict regulations.

Comprehensive Hazardous Waste Support

• Expert Guidance – We help you classify your waste, determine the right containers, and provide guidance on all necessary paperwork.
• Safe Transportation – Our licensed waste carriers ensure that your hazardous waste is collected, transported, and disposed of safely so that it’s not harmful to human health or the environment.
• Dedicated Disposal Facilities – We operate fully licensed disposal sites in Wiltshire, where we manage the final disposal of hazardous materials responsibly.