Hazardous waste

Hazardous Waste

In recent months there have been several large fires and incidents at waste and recycling facilities in the UK, which were subsequently attributed to the incorrect disposal of dangerous items. There has been an increase in dangerous, potentially explosive items entering the waste stream in Glasgow that cannot be treated by waste processors.

Which items should not be placed in household waste or recycling bins?

Household and automotive batteries and goods containing batteries e.g. toothbrushes, toys, phones and laptops, lithium-ion batteries
Pressurised gas canisters e.g. NOx containers, helium balloon canisters
Vapes
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

What can happen if these items enter the waste stream?

Some of these items are explosive, potentially creating unstable combustion conditions within waste collection and treatment infrastructure, which can impact the health and safety of collection crews and staff working at the sites.

When items are discovered within the waste stream at a treatment facility, it can lead to an interruption to waste processing, due to unplanned site closure and unnecessary staff downtime, disrupting the flow of waste to the site. Negative environmental impacts are also realised when NOx or gas canisters explode, which can lead to potential breaches of the site regulatory permit, due to an increase in dangerous gas emissions and can also lead to longer term damage to the plant.