Household hazardous waste

Many products used in and around the home are classed as hazardous. They need to be disposed of safely to avoid harming the environment.

Collection service

The City of London operates a Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal Service (HWCDS) on our behalf.

This service can collect most hazardous waste from households such as wrapped asbestos, packaged chemicals and liquids. Households can have up to three hazardous wate collections each year for free.

Disposal at Townmead Road

Domestic hazardous products can be taken to Townmead Road Reuse and Recycling Centre and disposed of safely. Hazardous waste can include things like:

• Household cleaning and decorating chemicals
• Some pesticides
• Fluorescent tubes and discarded energy saving light bulbs (also known as CFLs)
• Motoring products like oils, anti-freeze and brake fluid
• Batteries (large retailers are now providing recycling containers for returning batteries)
• Discarded electrical equipment like TVs, computer monitors and other appliances
• Fridges and freezers

There are some exceptions:

• We do not accept asbestos
• We do not accept clinical waste
• Marine flares are not accepted and must be taken to HM Coastguard for safe disposal.
• We do not accept fireworks or other pyrotechnics, and it is illegal to put them in your household rubbish or recycling. Contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice on disposal.
• We do not accept commercial hazardous waste

Petrol and diesel

We can't accept old petrol, diesel or other liquid fuels at Townmead Road. This is due to site permitting restrictions.

Don't mix or deposit these liquids in our containers for recycling used engine or cooking oils. To dispose of waste liquid fuels, you can use the City of London’s HWCDS.

Things to remember when disposing of hazardous waste at Townmead Road

• Never put hazardous waste into the general waste or into recycling.
• Always keep products in their original containers.
• Place waste in the designated hazardous waste area or if you are uncertain, ask a member of staff
• If you have a product that is not labelled, see a member of staff. Never leave an unidentified waste, it could cause an accident later.
• If you are uncertain about the waste, qualified staff are on site to assist you.

If you are unable to take your hazardous waste to Townmead, contact The City of London to find out about collection services.