Solvents and chemicals cannot just be thrown away alongside regular rubbish – it must be disposed of separately, following UK Government rules and legislation. Fortunately, we’ve created a helpful guide, so that you can learn how to dispose of your industrial solvents and chemicals safely and efficiently.

Why Do Industrial Solvents and Chemicals Need to Disposed of Safely?

Solvents and chemicals need to be disposed of safely because they are classed as hazardous substances. Hazardous substances are substances that can cause harm to a human or the environment, indirectly or directly.
These substances can have a range of different effects on humans, animals and the environment.

Effects on Humans

  • Irritation to eyes or skin
  • Headaches and Nausea
  • Cancers
  • Physiological Malfunctions and Deformations

Effects on Animals and the Environment

  • Killing Organisms in Water
  • Destroying Animals and Plants in Contaminated Areas
  • Limit Ability of an Ecosystem to Survive
  • Water Supply Contamination
Given the dangerous implications of solvents, chemicals and other hazardous substances, it is imperative that they are disposed of safely. As a business, you have duty of care to dispose of waste in a way that causes no harm or damage.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Disposing of Industrial Solvents and Chemicals Safely


Step One: Classify your Waste

Waste must be classified so that your waste contractor knows how they need to treat it when disposing of it. Within the paperwork, you need to include:
  • The waste classification
  • If the waste is hazardous
  • The name of the substance
  • The process that produced the waste
  • The type of business where the waste was produced
  • A chemical and physical analysis
  • Any issues, requirements or knowledge related to the waste


Step Two: Separate and Store your Waste

Hazardous waste, such as industrial solvents and chemicals must be separated from other types of waste. It is important to note that you cannot mix different types of hazardous waste, and each individual type of waste must be stored separately. This ensures that the different types of waste will not contaminate each other, as well as ensuring that the waste can be reused easily if necessary. When storing waste solvents or chemicals, they must be stored in a secure place and in a suitable container that ensures that the waste cannot escape. The container must be labelled to show what type of waste is inside. Additionally, covers should be used to stop the waste from blowing away, and waterproof covers should be used if rain could potentially cause contaminated run-off.


Step Three: Use a Waste Carrier to Dispose of your Waste

You will then need to hire a waste carrier to dispose of your hazardous solvents and chemicals safely. It is important that you use an authorised business to collect, recycle or dispose of your waste – they must be registered and their site must have the necessary environmental permits. This is because your business is still responsible for the disposal of waste, even after it has left your premises.


Step Four: Fill in a Consignment Note

A consignment note is required when moving hazardous waste. It is important to fill in the relevant parts of the form, and ensure that the note stays with the waste until it reaches its final destination.


Step Five: Keep a Waste Record

Finally, you must keep a waste record, known as a waste register, at the premises that produced or stored the waste. This record must be kept for three years. It is important to keep records of the consignment notes, consignee returns (from businesses that receive your waste) and any other waste related documents.

There can also be additional requirements if your waste is rejected or if you transport your own waste.

We hope this guide has provided you with the knowledge to dispose of your industrial chemicals and solvents safely and effectively. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us. Here at Eco-Point, we are proud to be an industry leader in the distribution eco-friendly chemicals that offer more safety and environmental protection that traditional cleaning solutions.