Hazardous waste

Waste is hazardous when it contains substances that could harm human health or the environment. This does not always mean it is immediately dangerous, but it does need to be handled and disposed of carefully. 

What counts as hazardous waste?

Common examples of household hazardous waste include:

• Asbestos
• Pesticides, weed killers and other garden chemicals
• Fluorescent tubes and energy saving bulbs
• Lubricating oils and fuels
• Uncleaned domestic heating oil tanks
• Oil-based paints and solvents
• Car batteries
• Some household batteries
• Electrical items such as televisions, computer monitors, fridges and freezers

Disposing of hazardous waste in Orkney

Most hazardous household waste can be taken to our Household Waste Recycling Centres at Hatston, Garson and Bossack. Always tell a member of staff when you arrive that you have hazardous waste and ask where to put it. Do not place hazardous items in skips without speaking to staff first.

For specific advice on what each site can accept, contact us before making the trip.

Some hazardous waste, such as asbestos, requires special handling - see below for details.

Household Chemicals

Small quantities of household chemicals - such as weedkillers, Roundup and similar products - can be disposed of at Bossack Recycling Centre free of charge. Please report to the site operatives on arrival and they will ensure the chemicals are stored safely in the appropriate chemical cabinet.

Asbestos

The disposal of asbestos is strictly controlled.

Only bonded asbestos - generally corrugated cement roofing sheets - can be disposed of at Bossack Recycling Centre, Tankerness. We do not accept other types of asbestos, including friable (loose) asbestos, asbestos insulation board or asbestos lagging. These pose a much greater health risk and must be handled and disposed of by a specialist licensed contractor.

Before you bring asbestos to Bossack:

• All bonded asbestos must be double wrapped securely in 1000-gauge plastic sheeting or placed in sealed bags of the same gauge. Any other packaging may result in the load being rejected for health and safety reasons.
• All packages or bags must be of a size and weight that can be easily handled by you alone - staff cannot assist with unloading.
• For up to six sheets, no advance booking is needed. Householders can transport a small amount (up to a car boot full) themselves without a special waste consignment note.
• For more than six sheets, you must pre-book by calling 01856 861219. Larger loads also require a special waste consignment note, available from SEPA.
• Contact us before you visit to confirm the site can accept your load on the day.

For larger quantities or if you are a business, you must use a licensed waste carrier and provide the appropriate documentation. SEPA can provide details of licensed carriers in Orkney.

Domestic heating oil tanks

Many properties in Orkney use heating oil rather than mains gas. When a tank reaches the end of its life and needs to be removed, you must dispose of it correctly.

The responsibility for disposal usually rests with the contractor who removes or replaces the tank as part of their duty of care. However, if you need to dispose of a tank yourself, follow the guidance below.

Before taking a tank to Bossack:

• Remove all residual oil from the tank. Any load that contains pooled oil will be rejected. Residual oil can be left at the site for disposal if contained in a sealed container.
• Any absorbent materials used to clean the tank, such as granules or rags, must be placed separately in a sealed bag.
• Cut the tank into sections of approximately 1.5 square metres before transporting it. This also helps reduce disposal costs.

Heating oil tanks cannot be collected through our special collections service. You must transport the tank to Bossack yourself. Contact us to arrange a suitable date before bringing the tank. This ensures it can be accepted on the day.

For Bossack opening times, see our business waste and recycling page.

Preventing oil leaks

Domestic heating oil can cause serious environmental damage if it leaks. It can pollute rivers, harm wildlife, contaminate land and be very costly to clean up. To reduce the risk:

• Check your tank and pipework regularly for signs of corrosion, damage or leaks. Get problems fixed straight away.
• Position your tank as far as possible from drains, watercourses and ponds.
• If your tank stores more than 3,500 litres, secondary containment such as a bund is a legal requirement.
• Have your boiler and tank serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician.

If you notice a leak or spill, contact SEPA immediately on 0800 80 70 60 (24 hours, freephone).

Clinical Waste

Clinical waste is any waste that poses a risk of infection to people. It must never be put in your household bin.

What we handle

We only handle low grade clinical waste from Council care homes. We do not handle or provide a collection service for high grade clinical waste.

High grade clinical waste is mainly produced by NHS outpatients receiving treatment. It includes:

• Infectious human or animal tissue
• Infectious blood or other bodily fluids
• Infectious swabs or dressings
• Any waste classed as infectious

If you produce high grade clinical waste, contact your GP, nurse or medical provider who will arrange appropriate disposal.

Low grade category E clinical waste

Low grade clinical waste should be double bagged and placed in your general refuse bin for disposal. This includes:

• Empty bedpans
• Incontinence pads
• Empty stoma bags
• Empty urine bags

Medicines and pharmaceuticals 

Return unused or out-of-date medicines and pharmaceuticals to your doctor or pharmacist for safe disposal. Do not put them in your bin or flush them down the sink.

Needles, syringes and sharps 

Needles, syringes, scalpels and other sharps must be disposed of through your GP or medical provider. They must be placed in an approved sharps container before being returned to the supplier or medical practice. Do not put sharps in any household bin or recycling container.

If you are a home user of needles or sharps - for example, for insulin injections - contact your GP or pharmacist who can provide a sharps container and arrange for collection.