As well as landlord owned properties, we have also worked with council run buildings such as local schools – disposing of waste and conducting a site clearance.
Public buildings like schools, libraries, leisure centres, and community hubs deal with a wide mix of waste every day. While most of it is general rubbish or recycling, some items count as hazardous waste. These materials can be harmful to people or the environment if they aren’t handled properly, so there are specific rules around how they must be stored, collected, and disposed of.
The most common types of hazardous waste we would have to deal with are:
Batteries
Used in everything from radios to toys, batteries contain chemicals that are dangerous if they leak. They must never be thrown in normal bins. Public buildings should have a small battery collection point and use a licensed waste carrier to remove them safely.
Fluorescent Tubes and Lighting
Older fluorescent tubes contain mercury, which is harmful if released. These lights must be kept unbroken in special boxes or tubes and collected by a licensed disposal service. Even newer LED lights still fall under electrical waste rules and need proper recycling.
Cleaning Chemicals
Every public building uses cleaning products, but leftover or out-of-date chemicals can be hazardous. They should always be stored in their original containers and never poured down sinks or drains. Any unused chemicals should be taken away as hazardous waste.
Paint and Solvents
Whether it’s for decorating a community hall or art activities in a school, leftover paint needs special care. Paint and solvents should not be put in general waste or poured away. They must be kept sealed and sent to a licensed disposal facility.
Medical Waste from First Aid Rooms
Items like used plasters, dressings, or sharps need careful handling. Sharps must go into a proper yellow sharps box, and any medical waste should be collected separately by a clinical waste service.
IT and Electrical Waste (WEEE)
Old computers, monitors, printers, and kitchen appliances can contain harmful materials. These must be recycled through approved WEEE services, not thrown in skips or general bins.
It is essential that hazardous waste management is carried out properly for the safety of staff, visitors and the general community and it will ensure that these public buildings stay compliant with the law.
At Sixtowns Waste we can provide a safe, reliable disposal solution for all of the waste types listed above, so please get in contact for further advice or to book a site visit.