Posted By Tony Bish if you already have a commercial waste contractor speak with them as most are able to assist with disposal of hazardous or difficult waste. There is of course a cost!! Alternatively there are many recycling companies now offering a tube retreival service - a google search on the web will find them. Even if there is no one nearby, the tubes can be bulk packaged and courier collected. You may also try speaking with your electricity supplier - even if they do not offer a recycling or disposal serivce, they may have details of companies in your area.

Posted By J Knight Andrew, woudln't disagree with either of the two respondents, but be sure you have read and understood the Duty of Care to Waste before you rid yourself of them, it can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/...waste_man_duty_code.pdf. Also if you have more than 200Kg, you may have to register with the EA as a hazardous waste producer, John

Posted By J Knight I asked the EA about this; they said that the requirement to regsiter is per site, so any site producing 200Kg has to register. I must also point out that this conflicts with advice I've had from practitioners who have said that registration on a company basis is possible; but the EA insisted that we register each site. Our own hazardous waste is clinical waste, b.t.w., and even though the bulk of our waste is non-hazardous (incontinence products) that fact that any of the bags might have dressings in them, as we don't segregate waste streams, means that the EA treats every bag as hazardous, so although our actual hazardous output might be less than 200Kg we still have to register, John

Posted By Andrew Beveridge Many thanks to all respondents for their swift responses giving information and advice. The main problem for most wholesalers appears to be the fact that these tubes are sleeved (we are a chocolate and confectionery manufacturer and sleeved tubes are a requirement)and that causes problems. We are already registered with the EA. We now have a solution, so, once again, big thanks! Best regards Andy

Posted By Andrew Smith-Lawrence With regards to your request re disposal, try Mercury Recycling PLC (MRG) on 0161 877 0977 or via their web page www.mercuryrecycling.com. They are able to deal with all your issues, including the duty of care aspects and any specific needs you may have. As the founder of the company, I can verify that MRG will provide a safe and legal solution to your needs. Regards Andrew D Smith-Lawrence, CMIOSH, FRSH