Waste is hazardous when it contains substances or has properties that might make it harmful to human health or the environment.

The term 'hazardous' does not always mean that such waste is immediately toxic, though some can be. By improving the way in which we manage all wastes classified as hazardous we reduce the risk they might pose now and in the future.

The most common types of hazardous waste produced by householders are shown below. Devon County Council provides facilities at most of the permanent, full time Recycling Centres to handle ‘reasonable’ quantities of Hazardous wastes produced by householders.

Bonded Asbestos Products (e.g. Sheets, pipes and tiles)

Asbestos is not classified as household waste and as such Devon County Council is not obliged to accept any asbestos for disposal. However, as it is recognised that householders may need to dispose of small amounts of asbestos a service is offered to provide householders with sites where they can deposit small quantities. A strict procedure has to be followed to allow householders to deposit asbestos at our nominated sites.
We will only accept:-

• cement bonded asbestos sheeting, pipes, guttering or flues;
• asbestos produced by householders from domestic premises;
• 6 small bags or 6 sheets measuring 6' x 3' (or equivalent) per household in any 12 month period;
• asbestos sheeting/ pipes/ guttering which are less than 6' in length.

All of the above asbestos must be damped down, double-wrapped in tough plastic and sealed completely.

Asbestos must be pre-authorised to be accepted at a County Council Site.

If you wish to make an enquiry about whether your asbestos would be acceptable to take to one of our sites, or wish to make a booking to pre-authorise your asbestos disposal, please use the Online Asbestos Disposal Form or telephone Waste Management at Devon County Council on (01392) 382846.

For wastes in excess of the specified quantity or for waste generated through a commercial channel (i.e. building & demolition work) a licensed commercial waste disposal company should be commissioned and can be found through your local Telephone Directory/Yellow pages or similar.

Spent Engine Oils; Vehicle Batteries.

These are not accepted at "rural skip" services but may be taken to your nearest permanent Recycling Centre.

LPG Gas Cylinders

These are not accepted at “rural skip” facilities but may be taken to your nearest permanent Recycling Centre for disposal. Alternatively they may be returned to an agent/retailer of the LPG supplier.

Old Paint

Reasonable quantities of old paint can be accepted at permanent Recycling Centres. If the tin contains sufficient paint of a standard which may be used by others, please bring this to the attention of the operator at the Recycling Centre.If the partially empty or old paint tin (whether oil based or emulsion) is of a standard which cannot be used, then please doubled-wrap each tin in plastic bags. This will help avoid spillage if it is crushed during the disposal process.

Hazardous/Toxic wastes. e.g. Weed killers, solvents, bleaches, old medicines, petrol, diesel, etc.

Up to 5 litres of these wastes can be accepted from householders at the permanent Recycling Centres only, where measures to handle and store such wastes are in place. They are not accepted at “rural skip” disposal facilities.  Old medicines etc. can also be handed-in at your local pharmacy who may dispose of it on your behalf. You could also wish to consider giving surplus fuel to a neighbour to use (e.g. in a lawn mower).All wastes in this category must be handed over to the site operator in a suitable, secure container, with the contents clearly marked or they will not be accepted.

Televisions

There is a separate collection of televisions and computer monitors at all permanent Recycling Centres (not rural skips), excluding Dawlish Recycling Centre.

Fridges

Fridges are acceptable at all permanent Recycling Centres.

Fluorescent tubes

Up to 5 tubes are acceptable per household in a six month period at permanent Recycling Centres (not rural skips)