Disposing of hazardous waste such as gas canisters and batteries in recycling bins has caused more than one fire at waste handling facilities this year. It is essential that people understand which categories of waste are hazardous and dispose of items responsibly. It seems like it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured by miscategorisation of hazardous waste.
Take a look at how easily this fire in a Bristol waste handling facility is ignited by a gas canister mistakenly being processed along with large bales of recyclable materials.
Fortunately experienced personnel were on hand to operate the fire containment systems and prevent the fire from rapidly spreading throughout the facility. This incident follows on from another close call in Wakefield.
Gas canisters – such as those used to contain propane, butane and nitrous oxide under pressure – may look like recyclable metal when empty, but they are not suitable for ordinary recycling. They need to be separated from your regular and recyclable waste and taken for safe disposal to your nearest recycling centre.
Norfolk recycling centres will only take empty gas bottles and cylinders. To dispose of partially full gas canisters, contact the brand who supplied you the bottle. There is more information on how to do this at liquidgasuk.org
Regarding disposal of waste in our skips and skip bags, we are unable to take any hazardous waste. Please see our full list of banned hazardous waste in our Terms and Conditions.
For all your non-hazardous waste disposal needs, we are ready to help. Call us on 01493 668118 or book a skip online.