Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste is waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment.
Many common household products contain hazardous chemicals. Once released into the environment, these substances may pose a serious threat to living organisms. Small quantities of hazardous substances can accumulate over time to reach dangerous levels and contaminate the air, water, and/or soil. Other hazardous substances can have a more immediate and devastating effect, such as poisoning.
Storing old chemicals at the back of cupboards, or elsewhere within your home, can be a potential fire hazard. Leaving chemicals at the back of cupboards, or elsewhere, can also be dangerous if discovered by your children and pets.
Examples of Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste includes, but not limited to, materials such as:
- Household Cleaners (including oven, drain, floor, glass and toilet cleaners)
- Aerosol Cans
- Glues and Adhesives
- Nail Polish and Remover
- Anti-freeze
- Hair Colour
- Paints
- Batteries
- Hair Spray
- Paint Thinner and Varnish Remover
- Bleach
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Pesticides, Insecticides and Herbicides
- Brake Fluid
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Pool Chemicals
- Cosmetics
- Mildew Remover
- Propane Cylinders
- Detergents
- Mothballs
- Rat PoisonDisinfectants
- Motor Oil
- Scouring Powder
- Mercury based thermometers
- Motor Vehicle Batteries
- Solvents
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Waxes
- Gasoline
- Oil Filters and Oil stained Rags
- Turpentine
- All Electrical and Electronic Equipment
- Fluorescent Tubes, Compact Fluorescent light bulbs, and Energy Efficiency Light Bulbs
- Pharmaceuticals, Prescription Medicines and Syringes
The above mentioned products commonly display any of the following symbols:
How do I dispose of my household Hazardous Waste?
Throwing your Household Hazardous Waste in the garbage or washing it down the drain can be dangerous to your family and our environment. In Gibraltar, hazardous wastes are collected separately by licensed hazardous waste contractors.
- All waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment can be disposed of in any pink recycling bin or at our Local Civic Amenities Site free of charge.
- Paint containers are accepted at our Local Civic Amenities Site where you can dispose of these free of charge.
- For any unused prescription medicines and pharmaceuticals, please drop these off at any local pharmacy or the hospital pharmacy for their appropriate disposal free of charge.
- All types of batteries, household or car, are accepted at our Local Civic Amenities Site free of charge.
- For all other types of Hazardous Waste, please contact the Environmental Agency on 200 70620, or at: admin@eag.gi, for further detailed information.
When disposing of hazardous wastes please keep in mind the following:
- Keep products in their original containers, or ensure that the containers are well labelled
- Do not mix different products together
- Tightly cap all containers