WASTE GUIDE · HAZARDOUS WASTE
Hazardous waste disposal: what cannot go in a skip
Some household and building waste is dangerous to handle or harmful to the environment, and none of it belongs in a skip. This guide shows where each type should go instead.
The short answer
Hazardous waste is anything that can harm people or the environment, such as asbestos, chemicals, solvents, oils, batteries, gas bottles and some paints. None of it can go in a skip. Small household amounts can go to a West Sussex recycling centre, and asbestos needs a licensed specialist.
What counts as hazardous waste?
| Item | Where it should go |
|---|---|
| Asbestos | A licensed asbestos contractor. Worthing recycling centre takes small amounts of bonded household asbestos, double-bagged and taped. |
| Paint, varnish and wood stain | Any West Sussex recycling centre. See our paint disposal guide. |
| Solvents, white spirit, creosote | Small amounts to Worthing or Shoreham recycling centre. |
| Batteries and vapes | Battery bins in shops and recycling centres. Never in a skip, as they can start fires. |
| Gas bottles | Back to the supplier or a recycling centre that takes them. |
| Engine oil | Recycling centre oil bank. |
| Pesticides and garden chemicals | Ask West Sussex County Council about safe disposal. |
| Fluorescent tubes | Recycling centre, kept whole. |
Asbestos: never in a skip
We do not take asbestos in any form. It is only dangerous when its fibres are released, so do not break it up, sand it or sweep it. If you think you have found asbestos, such as an old garage roof, pipe lagging or textured ceiling, leave it alone and get it tested.
Small amounts of cement-bound household asbestos can go to the Worthing recycling centre if double-bagged in heavy polythene and taped shut. Anything more needs a licensed contractor. West Sussex County Council can give you a list of approved companies.
Why hazardous waste cannot go in a skip
Skips are tipped and sorted by hand and machine at a waste site. Chemicals and liquids leak and contaminate the whole load, batteries can catch fire when crushed, and asbestos fibres put drivers and sorters at risk. Hazardous waste also needs special paperwork and licensed sites.
If a banned item is found in a skip, it can delay collection and add a charge, so check anything you are unsure of before you load. See the full list of what can go in a skip.
Your duty of care
Whoever produces waste is responsible for making sure it is disposed of legally. If you pay someone to take it away, check they hold a waste carrier licence. D J Recycling is registered with the Environment Agency, licence CBDU389101. Read more about waste carrier licences.
Common questions
What is hazardous waste?
Waste that can harm people or the environment, such as asbestos, chemicals, solvents, oils, batteries, gas bottles and some paints. It must be kept apart from general waste.
Can you put asbestos in a skip?
No. We do not accept asbestos in any form. Small bonded amounts can go to the Worthing recycling centre, double-bagged, and anything larger needs a licensed contractor.
Where can I dispose of hazardous waste in Worthing?
Small household amounts of paint, solvents and similar products can go to the Worthing or Shoreham-by-Sea recycling centres. Call West Sussex County Council on 01243 642106 if you are unsure.
Do you offer asbestos skip hire?
No. D J Recycling does not handle asbestos. You need a licensed asbestos contractor for removal and disposal.
What happens if hazardous waste is found in my skip?
It has to be removed before the skip can be tipped, which can delay collection and add a charge. Tell us about anything you are unsure of before loading.
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