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Waste and recycling collections over Christmas and New Year

Your collection days will change over Christmas and New Year – find out your new collection date.

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Hazardous household waste

A number of everyday items and products contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment and human health if they are not disposed of or handled correctly.

What can not be put in my general waste bin?

  • Aerosol cans
  • Asbestos
  • Batteries
  • Clinical waste
  • Electrical goods, including fridge/freezer, TV monitors
  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Hazardous chemicals such as solvent based products, some cleaning products or items contaminated with hazardous chemicals, including used containers
  • Oil, petrol, diesel or paraffin, brake fluid, antifreeze or items contaminated with these liquids including containers
  • Old cathode ray tube television or computer screens
  • Pesticides
  • Plasterboard or cement products
  • Tyres
  • Wood preservatives 

It is the responsibility of the householder to take their hazardous waste to the local household waste recycling centre or make arrangements with a private contractor. 

How do I know if any of my waste is hazardous?

Most hazardous chemicals are labelled with the orange and black symbols - visit the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) website for full details on hazard symbols.

  • Always leave hazardous materials in their original containers.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children or animals.
  • Never pour hazardous liquids down the sink or drain.
  • Never mix chemicals together.
  • Always follow the instructions of the label.

Where can I dispose of hazardous waste safely?

Take it to one of our household waste recycling centres. Dedicated containers/storage areas are provided for the separate collection of hazardous materials. These are then taken away for specialist treatment and recycling. On arrival, please contact a member of staff who will provide assistance. Do not leave hazardous items unattended on site. Check labels for any other advice on disposal of the product or empty packaging.

Hazardous chemicals and asbestos are accepted at Freemen's Common Recycling Centre only.

Tyres and clinical waste are not accepted at either site.

How can I dispose of asbestos?

Only cement bonded asbestos which has been double wrapped in plastic will be accepted at Freemen's Common Household Waste Recycling Centre. A maximum of eight sheets per visit will be accepted. If a van, pick up or car with a trailer longer than 1.4 meters is used to dispose of the asbestos than a permit is required.

Please call 0116 254 3568 before visiting – asbestos can only be accepted if the container has space for it.

For the disposal of other types of asbestos, please contact a licensed waste carrier to arrange for its safe removal and disposal. Asbestos is not accepted at the Gypsum Close Household Waste Recycling Centre.

How do I reduce the amount of hazardous waste I produce?

Only purchase the amount you need. Always take care when handling materials to avoid waste and accidents.