Myth 1: ‘Hazardous waste only comes from dirty industries’
Answer: You might be surprised to hear that hazardous wastes are generated by a variety of different producers, in fact, each and every one of us will have produced ‘hazardous waste’ at some point!
Waste is classified as hazardous if it harms human health or the environment. They need to be collected, treated and disposed of carefully and in line with regulations. Hazardous waste can include more traditional waste types such as: acidic and alkaline materials, solvents, liquid waste, fluorescent tubes, pressurised cylinders, adhesives, effluents, and low-level radioactive materials. However, they now include some everyday items like paint, batteries, electronics, aerosols, and oils.
Myth 2: ‘Hazardous waste pollutes the environment’
Answer: This is not the case!
With extensive experience in hazardous waste management, we have the knowledge and skills to handle even the most complex waste streams safely, sustainably and compliantly.
Veolia is committed to minimising the environmental impact of hazardous waste. Through our innovative technologies and recycling initiatives, we strive to reduce waste and operational costs, regenerate resources, and promote a more sustainable future.
We also understand the legal obligations and responsibilities and our services are fully compliant with local, national and international regulations. This includes the requirements outlined by the Environment Agency, which specifies each waste stream must have a compliant and environmentally sustainable disposal method in place prior to collection. This is a really important step called pre-acceptance and it ensures that the environment remains protected!
Myth 3: ‘Unknown chemicals can be identified solely by analysis’
Answer: Our Chemists are experts in their field, and analysis is an important tool to identify certain contaminants, but it doesn’t always show all the unknown components of a waste stream.
We need an accurate waste description and a safety data sheet wherever possible to have a proper understanding and classification of the waste. The incorrect treatment of hazardous waste materials can have catastrophic impacts on human health, our water, soil, and air quality. We invest in the appropriate treatment of hazardous waste to prevent harmful effects on the environment.
Myth 4: ‘The only disposal option for hazardous waste is incineration’
Answer: Not the case!
At Veolia we have a wide range of treatment and recycling options that ensures high temperature incineration is only used as a last resort.
For example, our hazardous waste facility in Garston recycles waste solvent to create new products such as paint thinners and prevents the need to use virgin solvent!
Veolia has also launched the UK’s first process line for safely treating nitrous oxide canisters at its Empire Works Facility in Birmingham. The innovative system captures the gas from N2O canisters and separates the nitrogen and oxygen components, allowing them to be safely vented in proportion to their atmospheric volumes. The empty canisters are then recycled. This prevents the release of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Myth 5: ‘All waste can go in the general waste bin’
Answer: Hold on!
Not all waste types are suitable for disposal in your general waste bin, hazardous wastes such as paints, chemicals and electrical waste need specialist disposal. If they are added to your general waste they can cause serious harm to human health as well as harm to the environment. It is also going against government regulations and failing to be compliant to these regulations can lead to costly penalties for your business.
Veolia is here to help with your hazardous waste disposal. Our team of chemists will sample and catalogue your waste to ensure your business complies with waste identification legislation. They can then determine the correct recovery, recycling, or treatment route.
How can we help you?
Contact our team of experts today to start managing your hazardous waste safely, compliantly and efficiently
Growing Together with Veolia
At Veolia, our hazardous waste partnerships go beyond mere service provision – for us, it's all about creating lasting relationships built on shared values, industry-specific experience, and a commitment to mutual growth.
Meet the author
James Street - Bid Team Manager (Hazardous Waste)
