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Hazardous and Clinical Waste

This page provides information on hazardous and clinical waste and how to dispose of it:

What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste collections (for residents only)
Syringes
Clinical waste
Additional information for businesses

There are also some additional pages in this section, providing more information on how to safely dispose of asbestos, paint, batteries and energy saving lightbulbs.

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What is hazardous waste?

Waste is hazardous when it contains substances that might make it harmful to the environment or human health.

Some everyday items such as computer monitors, televisions and fluorescent tubes are now considered hazardous, along with substances such as asbestos, industrial chemicals and clinical waste. The term 'hazardous' does not always mean that such waste is immediately toxic, though some can be.

By improving the way we manage waste classified as hazardous we reduce the risk they might pose now and in the future.

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Hazardous waste collections (for residents only)

Some hazardous waste items such as televisions and computer monitors can be collected as part of the council's free white goods collection service - see the bulky items page for more information.

For many other items, residents can receive up to three free collections of hazardous waste every year through the City of London Corporation, which provides this service on behalf of most London boroughs.

These collections must be booked through the City of London Corporation. The service is offered free of charge, but residents will need to provide detailed information about the items needing collection, and will also need to ensure that they are packaged appropriately.

For more information please visit the Corporation of London website - see the external links section below.

Alternatively please telephone to book a collection:

Tel: 020 7332 3433

You may reach an answer phone, in which case you should leave a message so that a member of the City of London Corporation's waste team can call you back.

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Syringes

Needles, syringes and other drug related items are being increasingly discarded in the environment.

There are a number of hazards associated with handling these items, and if discovered you should contact us to have them safely removed and disposed.

We advise members of the public not to pick up needles, unless they pose an immediate danger to you or other residents. If you do find any syringes or needles, please report this to us through the hazardous litter e-form.

Please note that any needles, or syringes, etc. found on educational premises (eg schools, nurseries, etc.) during working hours should be reported immediately to the premises directly, where staff on site are trained to deal with such items.

Special collections of syringes can be arranged as part of the clinical waste collection service (see below).

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Clinical waste

Clinical waste is any waste which poses a threat of infection to humans. The term also includes drugs or other pharmaceutical products.

Clinical waste is mainly produced by hospitals, health clinics, doctors' surgeries and veterinary practices, but also arises from private households.

Examples of clinical waste include:

human or animal tissue
blood or other bodily fluids
excretions
drugs or other pharmaceutical products
swabs or dressings
syringes, needles or other sharp instruments.

Clinical Waste Collection Service

Collections of clinical waste can be arranged through the council's contractor Veolia. There is no charge for removal of clinical waste from domestic properties.

For more information please contact the Veolia Haringey Contact Centre:

Tel: 020 8885 7700
Email: enquiries.haringey@veolia.co.uk

Businesses will need to arrange a clinical waste collection through private contractors, who can be easily found in online directories.

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Additional information for businesses

The Hazardous Waste Regulations, which came into force in 2005, have implications for businesses across the country. Businesses need to be able to describe exactly what their waste contains, and this 'characterisation' determines what can be done to minimise it, ease its recovery or ensure its safe disposal. By reducing the amount of hazardous waste produced in the first place, businesses may be able to save money whilst protecting the environment. Failure to comply with the legislation could lead to prosecution.

If you would like further information and advice on the Hazardous Waste Regulations, please contact the Environment Agency - see the external links section below.

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