What is Hazardous Waste
A waste is hazardous when it can harm human health or the environment because it is explosive, oxidising, flammable, irritant, toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, infectious, mutagenic, sensitising, or eco-toxic.
Hazardous waste is controlled by strict regulations to protect against the threat to humans and the environment.
Household Hazardous Waste
Substances or objects that are discarded, intended or required to be discarded and that display some of the following properties: corrosive, explosive, irritant, flammable, toxic etc. may be termed Hazardous Waste. A container that contained such substances is also considered to be Hazardous Waste.
Some common items displaying hazardous properties that may be found in the home/garage are:
- Adhesives/glues/resins/sealants
- Aerosols – deodorant cans, spray paints etc.
- Batteries – lead acid, nickel-cadmium etc.
- Bleach/Cleaning agents – metal cleaners, drain cleaners, oven cleaners etc.
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment
- Energy-saving light bulbs/Fluorescent tubes/Mercury thermometers
- Freezers/fridges
- Fungicides/herbicides/pesticides
- Ink/printer cartridges/ribbons/toners
- Waste medicines – expired or unwanted etc.
- Engine oil/gear and lubricating oils/anti-freeze
- Paints/paint thinners/varnishes/solvents
- Poisons
- Polishes
- Photographic chemicals
Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste
Many household wastes can be taken to Civic Amenity Sites (Portlaoise Recycling Centre or Portarlington Recycling Centre).
Hazardous Waste – Regulations
The European Communities (Shipments of Hazardous Waste exclusively within Ireland) Regulations 2011, were introduced to streamline the administration of legislation on the movement or shipment of hazardous waste exclusively within Ireland.
Dublin City Council, National TFS Office is the sole authority for the administration of hazardous waste movements within Ireland.
Should you require clarification, further information or assistance, please contact Dublin City Council at 01 222 4402/4522 or email : wrms@dublincity.ie
Further Information
European Communities (Shipments of Hazardous Waste exclusively within Ireland) Regulations 2011
Shipments of Hazardous Waste – faqs-wtf-2014
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a hazardous waste that poses significant health risks and must be handled with extreme caution.
Protecting yourself and others from asbestos exposure is of utmost importance. Always prioritise safety and seek professional assistance when dealing with this dangerous material.ow to handle asbestos safely?
To ensure safe disposal, asbestos should only be removed and disposed of by a specialist hazardous waste contractor. These professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle asbestos safely, minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful fibres.
Where to find specialised contractors?
You can find specialized contractors for asbestos removal and disposal on the National Waste Collection Permit site: www.nwcpo.ie. It is essential to choose reputable contractors who are certified to handle hazardous materials.
General comments and tips:
- Asbestos is extremely hazardous and should not be taken lightly.
- If you suspect or discover asbestos in your home, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, call an expert immediately to handle the situation safely and effectively.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| DocumentBest practice guidance for handling asbestos | 2.45 MB |
Further information
For more information phone the environment section at 057 866 4000 or email environmentadmin@laoiscoco.ie