Recycling hazardous waste

Hazardous waste can be in a liquid, solid or even gas form. Engine oil, gas bottles, car batteries, paint, fire extinguishers, toners from copiers or laser printers and fluorescent lighting tubes are all examples of hazardous waste.

Caution: Your home may contain many hazardous materials, some of which can be recycled. If not recyclable, materials can be disposed of safely. These are listed below and more information is given on some items under the hazardous information.

Council

Many councils provide services to safely dispose of these items. Check your local council for details.

Hazardous items

Fluorescent lights

  • Used in lighting
  • Examples: long tubes or CFLs
    • Recyclable: YES

LPG cylinders

  • Used in cooking or heating
  • Examples: BBQ, gas heater, caravan appliances
    • Recyclable: YES

Waste oil

  • Used in lubricant
  • Examples: from vehicles
    • Recyclable: YES

Batteries

  • Used in powering small devices, charging electronic items, charging appliances
  • Examples: Laptop batteries, hearing aid batteries
    • Recyclable: YES
  • Example: rechargeable batteries
    • Recyclable: YES
  • Example: dry cell batteries eg AA, AAA
    • Recyclable: NO

Chemicals

  • Garden use, household use, garage/DIY use
  • Examples: herbicides, pesticides, fertilisers
    • Recyclable: NO
  • Example: Janola, bleaches, alkaline cleaners, acidic vinegars
    • Recyclable: NO
  • Example: solvents, glues, non water-based paints 
    • Recyclable: NO