Disposing of chemicals correctly: Here's how!
Chemicals are an indispensable part of many industrial operations, laboratories, manufacturing companies and even hobby workshops. However, their use comes with the responsibility of disposing of these substances safely and in accordance with the law in order to protect both human health and the environment. In this guide, you will learn how to correctly identify chemicals, store them safely and which regulations you must observe when disposing of chemicals.
- Disposing of chemicals: the most important facts in brief
- Which substances are considered chemicals?
- How can you dispose of chemicals?
- What needs to be considered when disposing of waste?
- Which containers are suitable for storage and disposal?
- Costs for chemical disposal
- Store and dispose of chemicals properly with DENIOS
- Frequently asked questions about chemical disposal
Disposing of chemicals: the most important facts in brief
Hazardous chemicals include explosive and flammable substances such as plastics and solvents, spontaneously combustible, fire-promoting and corrosive substances such as chlorine, acids or alkalis, and various gases.
Hazardous chemical waste must never be disposed of with normal household or commercial waste.
Commercial chemical disposal usually requires the commissioning of certified disposal companies in order to comply with legal requirements.
It is important to observe national laws such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (2002), Hazardous Waste Regulations (2005), and the Environmental Protection Act (1990), which regulate the safe handling and disposal of chemicals.
Before disposal, proper storage of chemicals in special containers must be ensured at the company.
Which substances are considered chemicals?
The term ‘chemicals’ refers to a wide range of substances and compounds that can trigger a desired or undesired chemical reaction. These include elements from the periodic table as well as their compounds such as acids (hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, etc.), bases, alkalis, salts, oxides and organic molecules such as hydrocarbons and polymers. Most of these substances have become indispensable in everyday life and are found in cleaning products, paints, medicines, fertilisers and many other products.
In the EU, the CLP Regulation governs the classification and labelling of chemicals. It stipulates that hazardous substances must be labelled with standardised hazard symbols before they can be marketed or used.
| List of chemicals | Examples |
|---|---|
| Explosive and/or flammable substances | Plastic, paint, solvents, oil |
| Solid or liquid corrosive substances | Chlorine, sodium peroxide, building lime, caustic soda, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulphur dioxide, caustic soda |
| Environmentally harmful substances | Heavy metals such as lead or mercury, sulphur trioxide, trichloromethane |
Hint: You can often recognise chemical waste by the fact that the packaging is labelled ‘flammable’, ‘toxic’, “corrosive” or ‘irritant’.
How can you dispose of chemicals?
How exactly you should dispose of chemicals depends largely on the quantity and type of substances you wish to dispose of. As chemicals are hazardous waste or ‘dangerous waste’, you should never dispose of them with normal household or commercial waste. It is best to follow the instructions below, as improperly disposed chemicals can pose a major risk to health and the environment.
Commercial disposal of chemicals
The commercial disposal of chemicals, such as those produced in factories, laboratories and pharmacies, requires careful planning and execution. You have the following options for disposal:
Transport to a collection point
For smaller quantities of chemicals, it is advisable to transport them professionally to an authorised collection point such as a local recycling centre or a mobile hazardous waste collection point. Please observe the transport guidelines, as chemicals are considered hazardous goods and must be transported in appropriate containers.
Commissioning a waste disposal company
Industrial companies and laboratories in particular, which regularly have to dispose of large quantities of chemicals, should hire certified waste disposal companies. These companies usually offer either collective or individual disposal, for which appropriate proof must be provided. In the case of collective disposal, for example, the disposal company provides a suitable hazardous waste container in which you can store the waste materials and which is emptied at agreed intervals. The type of disposal usually depends on the quantity of chemical waste.
If you hire an external company, it is a good idea to make a list of the chemicals to be disposed of and give it to the disposal company. Document the type, manufacturer and quantity of each substance on the list. This is particularly recommended for one-off disposals in order to calculate the costs.
Please note: The waste producer, not the waste disposal company, is always responsible for proper disposal. Therefore, always hire a certified company.
Return to wholesaler
In some cases, it is possible to dispose of expired chemicals and products directly through the wholesaler. It is best to check with your supplier to see if this is possible.
Checklist: Disposing of laboratory waste
To ensure that your laboratory has all the important points covered when it comes to storing and disposing of chemical waste, we have compiled a checklist for you.
Dispose of chemicals privately
In private households, chemical waste is usually only produced in small quantities and is therefore not subject to the strict regulations regarding storage and labelling that apply to commercial users. Documentation of disposal is also not required. Nevertheless, chemical waste such as batteries, rechargeable batteries, disinfectants and medicines, motor oil, pesticides and fertilisers, spray cans and antifreeze are considered hazardous waste and must not be disposed of with residual waste under any circumstances.
There are various options for the private disposal of chemical waste, depending on where you live. These include:
Municipal collection points
Recycling centres
Mobile hazardous waste collection
Return to the manufacturer (e.g. pharmacy or DIY store)
What do you need to know when disposing of acid and other chemical waste?
When disposing of hazardous materials such as chemicals, there are important legal requirements that must be strictly observed. These include the following regulations:
Hazardous Waste Regulations: Controls the management, storage, disposal, and tracking of hazardous waste.
Environmental Protection Act: Aims to reduce the amount of pollution created by certain industries and processes.
Waste Catalogue Regulation of the European Union: This regulation classifies chemicals according to their hazardousness and assigns them a six-digit waste code number (ASN). These codes are crucial for the correct handling and disposal of chemical substances.
Circular Economy Act: Prescribes general rules for waste disposal and recycling.
Verification Regulation : Prescribes the documentation of proper disposal.
In addition, you should ensure that chemicals are stored correctly and safely, clearly labelled and that protective equipment is worn within the company. For example, it is essential that chemicals are always stored separately from each other and from other waste. This separation prevents dangerous reactions that can lead to smoke, fires or even explosions during temporary storage. It also helps to ensure that all waste can be recycled optimally. You should also pay attention to other aspects when storing chemical substances such as acids:
Good room ventilation
Impermeable floor
Room labelling with the necessary safety instructions, warning signs and hazard symbols
Protect chemicals from external influences
Labelling of waste containers with the appropriate hazard symbols, ingredients and official waste code in accordance with the Waste Catalogue Regulation
Wear protective clothing when handling chemicals
Which containers are suitable for storing and disposing of chemicals?
Chemicals are generally classified as hazardous materials and must be stored and transported in accordance with the relevant hazardous goods regulations. For smaller quantities, plastic or tinplate containers are usually used, depending on the properties of the chemicals. Please note that even seemingly harmless waste such as cleaning cloths can become a source of danger if they come into contact with hazardous substances. A cleaning cloth soaked in flammable liquids must therefore never be disposed of in standard waste bins. A safe disposal option is provided by self-extinguishing waste bins, which are equipped with self-closing lids and thus offer a high degree of safety against the outbreak of fires.
For larger quantities, special containers such as approved clamp ring drums or hazardous waste containers for solid and pasty substances or liquid waste are used, which usually have a capacity of approx. 100 to 1,000 litres.
Costs for chemical disposal
Depending on the quantity, the disposal of chemicals can also involve high costs, as they are hazardous waste and highly reactive substances that require special disposal. However, the penalties for improper disposal are usually higher. In order for a company to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, it is therefore always advisable to hire a certified company.
For an accurate cost calculation, it is helpful to provide the disposal company with a detailed list of all substances to be disposed of. Individual costs vary depending on the substance and its hazardousness – for example, one litre of oil can cost as little as 30 pence and one kilo of mercury can cost over £10.
Store and dispose of chemicals properly with DENIOS
The proper disposal of chemicals is crucial to prevent environmental damage and ensure health and safety. Since the correct storage of these hazardous substances is just as critical as their disposal, it is essential to use safe and suitable containers. At DENIOS, you will find a wide range of specially designed containers that have been developed to meet the strict requirements for the storage of chemicals. This not only allows you to increase safety in your working environment, but also ensures that your chemicals are stored properly until disposal. Further information on the handling and storage of hazardous materials can also be found in the DENIOS Magazine.
Frequently asked questions about chemical disposal
Why should I dispose of chemicals?
The disposal of chemicals is essential for several reasons: it protects the environment from pollutants that can affect water sources, soil and air quality. Proper disposal also contributes to safety in the workplace and at home by minimising the risk of health hazards and accidents such as fires and explosions. Furthermore, the proper disposal of chemical substances is required by law in order to protect public health and the ecological balance. By complying with these regulations, individuals and companies also avoid legal consequences and possible penalties.
How can I dispose of which chemicals?
The disposal of chemicals varies depending on the type and hazard potential of the substance. First, every household or business should find out about local regulations and collection points for chemical waste. As a rule, liquid organic solvents, paints and batteries must not be disposed of in regular household waste. Instead, they should be taken to special collection points or recycling centres that are equipped to dispose of such substances.
For larger quantities and more hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis or toxic substances, it is often necessary to hire a certified waste disposal company to safely transport and properly dispose of the chemicals. It is important that all chemicals are stored separately and in suitable containers to prevent accidents during storage and transport.
Are chemicals hazardous waste?
Not all chemicals are automatically classified as hazardous waste, but many of them may fall into this category due to their toxic, flammable, corrosive or environmentally harmful properties.
Classification as hazardous waste depends on the specific risks a substance poses to health and the environment. Regulations such as the European Waste Catalogue Regulation define which chemicals are considered hazardous and require specific disposal methods. It is therefore important to check the relevant safety data sheets and labels to determine whether a chemical must be treated as hazardous waste and what measures must be taken for safe disposal.
How can I dispose of sulphuric or hydrochloric acid?
The disposal of sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid, two highly corrosive and dangerous acids, requires special care to ensure environmentally sound and safe disposal. Acids must never be disposed of in household waste or down the drain. Instead, they must be taken to special collection points for chemical waste, which are often accessible at municipal recycling centres or via mobile hazardous waste collection points. Check with your local waste disposal facility for specific requirements and dates when hazardous waste is accepted to ensure the correct and safe disposal of hydrochloric acid.
For larger quantities, for example in laboratories or industrial plants, it is advisable to hire a certified disposal company. Before disposal, it is important to securely package the acid in a suitable, tightly sealed and corrosion-resistant container.
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The specialist information on this page has been compiled carefully and to the best of our knowledge and belief. Nevertheless, DENIOS Ltd cannot assume any warranty or liability of any kind, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, for the topicality, completeness and correctness either towards the reader or towards third parties. The use of the information and content for your own or third party purposes is therefore at your own risk. In any case, please observe the locally and currently applicable legislation.