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VPUH17  
#1 Posted : 19 September 2017 15:56:05(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
VPUH17

Hi Everyone, 

We have a few out of date household waste items, such as sunflower oil, food dye and PVA glue in our office that are currently locked away in a chemical cupboard.

I've been informed in the past that businesses are not allowed to dispose of any chemical waste at a recycling centre, but as these items classify as household waste and there are only a few pieces, it seems excessive to pay for a company to dispose of them. 

Would it be going against any legislation to dispose of these ourselves at a local recycling centre? 

Many thanks in advance

Ron Hunter  
#2 Posted : 19 September 2017 16:04:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Don't you have any waste bins at your workplace?

VPUH17  
#3 Posted : 20 September 2017 11:08:26(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
VPUH17

Thanks for your reply Ron.

These were used in Lab experiments and we were advised to put all chemicals on our COSHH list, so were given the impression they should be classified as chemical waste and dealt with accordingly...

Sounds like this might be overcaution?

Ron Hunter  
#4 Posted : 20 September 2017 11:46:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Cupboards are for hazardous chemicals. Seems you were given poor advice.

I shudder to think that someone might have considered doing a COSHH assessment for those items.

If you've no further use for those small amounts of food dye, cooking oil or pva, then they're for the bin.

SteveL  
#5 Posted : 20 September 2017 11:46:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SteveL

If your saying you can not place them in a waste bin, then you will have to go to overkill then. 

boblewis  
#6 Posted : 20 September 2017 12:26:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
boblewis

Being a total pedant all liquids are a special waste because they are liquid regardless of the hazards.  However once absorbed in sawdust or sand or earth they can be treated as routine general waste.  Again simply pour the adhesive onto something and allow to solidify.  There is no such thing as household waste in the commercial environment - it is all Controlled, just some are more controlled than others.

chris42  
#7 Posted : 20 September 2017 13:51:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

It may be pertinent for us to know the quantities we are talking about, before deciding on a course of action.

PVA glue is wood glue, don’t you have any DIYers that would like it. Or for kids to make Paper Mache models. Soon use it up.

Adams29600  
#8 Posted : 21 September 2017 14:46:43(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Adams29600

Originally Posted by: Ron Hunter Go to Quoted Post
I shudder to think that someone might have considered doing a COSHH assessment for those items.

I have previously seen a COSHH Assessment for Distilled Water which was kept for topping up the electric fork lift truck batteries! However, the same person did not see the need for one for the batteries!

VPUH17  
#9 Posted : 21 September 2017 14:49:01(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
VPUH17

It's about a gallon of PVA, but as suggested will look to donate within the company.

We also have some expired superglue, so that is very useful info on pouring it out and waiting for it to harden. 

It seems we've been overcautious with our chemical controls and disposal and will be looking at reviewing this, as admin for adding every chemical that enters the office is fairly labourious!

Thanks for all the input.

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