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Hazardous Waste: What Cannot Be Included in General Waste

The key items prohibited in general waste bins and why they require special disposal

General waste bins are designed for everyday business rubbish, but certain materials must never be placed in them. These items are considered hazardous waste and require specialised disposal due to the risk they pose to people, the environment, and collection equipment.

What is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste includes solid, liquid, or gaseous materials that may be dangerous because of their:

  • Toxicity

  • Flammability

  • Explosivity

  • Chemical reactivity

  • Corrosivity

  • Infectiousness

  • Carcinogenic or mutagenic properties

When released into the environment, these substances can cause harm to human health or living organisms.

Items Not Allowed in General Waste Bins

Hazardous Materials

  • Chemicals, pesticides, paints, oils, fuels, and solvents.

  • Batteries of all sizes (household, car, or industrial).

  • Gas bottles or pressurised cylinders.

Liquid Waste

  • Motor oils, cooking oils, cleaning fluids, and paints.

  • Any liquid waste is strictly prohibited in general waste bins.

E-Waste (Electronic Waste)

  • Computers, monitors, printers, and TVs.

  • Small appliances and electronic equipment.

  • Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
    (These items must go to approved e-waste recycling programs.)

Medical and Sanitary Waste

  • Syringes, sharps, and expired medications.

  • Infectious or clinical waste.
    (These require designated disposal programs.)

Bulky or Prohibited Items

  • Furniture, mattresses, and whitegoods.

  • Bricks, rubble, concrete, or other building materials.

  • Asbestos — absolutely prohibited due to extreme health risks.

🚫 Important: Building materials such as bricks, tiles, and concrete must never go into general waste bins — they can damage collection trucks and put staff at risk.

Why These Rules Matter

  • Safety: Hazardous items put waste workers, customers, and the public at risk.

  • Environmental Protection: Chemicals, oils, and e-waste can contaminate soil and water.

  • Equipment Protection: Heavy or inappropriate items can damage bins and trucks.

  • Compliance: Incorrect disposal can result in fines or penalties from regulators.

Final Word

General waste bins are not suitable for hazardous, liquid, bulky, or medical waste.

  • ❌ No chemicals, oils, batteries, or asbestos.

  • ❌ No liquids or building materials.

  • ❌ No e-waste, medical waste, or oversized items.

If you’re unsure how to dispose of these materials, contact Waster for advice on safe and compliant alternatives.

👉 For full details, see Waster’s Waste and Recycling Terms and Conditions.