Hazardous Waste ....

		... never underestimate the dangers
		The items listed here include Nappies, Oil and Oil Filters, Paints and Coatings, Panes of Glass, and Photographic Chemicals.
		The careful disposal of hazardous materials is a public responsibility to prevent damage to man and animals. Often, the waste can be put to beneficial use by suitably qualified organisations.
		Managers have a duty to ensure that workplace hazardous wastes are correctly identified at each stage of production and appropriate measures are taken to protect the health of employees and contractors who transport or dispose of waste. These provisions are built into the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 1999 (SI 1999 No. 437).
		To know more about the definitions of Waste, Hazardous Waste and Difficult Waste, click here . Some items in this section are more accurately described as Difficult Waste.
		Seaside joys on the Promenade River and Trees in the US (© Martin )
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		Hazardous Waste Index General Hazardous Waste Services Asbestos Batteries CFCs & HCFCs Computers and CRTs Fluorescent Lamps Garden Chemicals Medicines Nappies Oil & Oil Filters Paint & Coatings Panes of Glass Photographic Chemicals Plastics Printer Cartridges Sewage Toxic Metals TVs & Radios Tyres & Rubber Vehicles WEEE and RoHS
		What is BPEO?
		BPEO stands for the Best Practicable Environmental Option and provides guidance for waste disposal policymakers to control the best balance of measures. One factor is to balance and minimise contamination of the environment as a whole ie air, water and land (eg removing pollution from the air might cause more detrimental pollution of land or water). Other factors include doing it at an acceptable cost and aiming to achieve results which are are effective in the long term as well as the short term.
		The photograph on the left shows an active residents' campaign opposing the proposed, invasive development of a McDonalds' fast food outlet in the village of Hinchley Wood, Surrey. This would have caused an influx of traffic from the nearby A3 with the usual environmental problems, such as litter, noise and other pollutions. The campaign was successful and the pub was eventually replaced by residential accommodation instead. Click the picture for more detail.

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Nappies		Are disposable nappies hazardous? We think they are, and we are not alone. To understand the scale of the problem, to find out about alternatives (real nappies, eco-disposables and laundry services) and see what you could do click, on this button: .
		Envocare is affiliated with Spirit of Nature because they sell a wide variety of high quality, organically and ecologically produced gifts and essential items. Their range is especially suitable for babies, toddlers and mums and includes eco-disposable and washable nappies.
		BabyKind is a family-run business based in Wales, UK, committed to offering the most convenient cloth nappies at the lowest possible prices.
		Helen Burr (Manager of BabyKind Cloth Nappies) shares her experience of what makes a more eco-friendly disposable nappy. She reviews the main contenders in the field, looking at impacts of manufacture, disposal, price.
		BORN specialise in real cotton nappies; their website explains their health, financial and environmental benefits plus other information for parents .
		The Nappy Alliance effectively replaced the Cloth Nappy Industry Association (CNIA); it is highly active in promoting cloth nappies to Parliamentary bodies etc .
		Close Parent (was Modern Baby) offer the Pop-In nappy, a hybrid nappy system; a cross between an all-in-one nappy and a two-part system, the inner soaker poppers inside the outer shell so that it comes apart and goes back together easily; no waterproof wrap is needed.
		CuddleBabes provide a choice of cloth nappies for those who want a more cost effective, environment friendly alternative to disposable nappies .
		The Ecologist, April 2001, vol. 31, no 3, pp 40-43, published an article 'Many Nappy Returns' on suitability of disposable nappies and alternatives.
		Lizzie’s Real Nappies is a family business, established in 2004. They know that choosing the right brand can be confusing and frustrating and provide free, independent advice to help you find the brand that will suit you best, as well as selling a range of real nappies.
		Lollipop Children's Products Ltd's local agents help you choose the best nappy system for you and your baby; they also sell other items for kids .
		The Nappy Lady provides help and information on why you should choose cloth nappies and not disposables, specialising in advice on which type of nappy would suit you; they also sell real nappies .
		The National Association of Nappy Services (NANS), also called Change-a-nappy,a not-for-profit organisation, sets out the industry's operation standards and guidelines. It promotes use of real nappies and provides supplier details across the UK .
		Plush Pants offer an unusual service; a cloth nappy trial scheme. Parents can borrow a variety of nappies and wraps to try, with no obligation to buy. Until you've used them, it's not easy to know which ones will be best.
		The Real Nappy Information Service - Go Real is a central source for information, advice, contacts and nappy site details around the country. Historically known as the Real Nappy Campaign, Go Real is independently run as a social enterprise, by parents who have had firsthand experience bringing children up in real nappies.
		Sam I Am sell a range of cotton nappies and accessories. Local consultants are available to answer questions and advise on sizing and washing .
		Softbots offer Real Nappies and natural baby products, with a high level of personal service. They aim to provide accurate, easy to understand facts and information on how Real Nappies can benefit both you and your child.
		West Sussex County Council offers financial incentives to help; they give details of companies who distribute real nappies in West Sussex. Search for nappies on their home page for the Real Nappy Initiative .
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Oil and Oil Filters		According to the Environment Agency (EA), oil accounts for 25% of all pollution incidents. Do not pour oil into drains as most drains link to watercourses which become polluted. Recycle oil and filters at an oil bank (see below), or in the case of large quantities should be collected by a registered contractor who will buy it. Where does oil go? It is refined and used as industrial fuel oil or lubricants.
		Oil Bank line run by Oil Care Campaign, is where you can find your nearest waste oil recycling bank. Click on the silver ball or phone 0800 66 33 66.
		The Chemical & Oil Recycling Association is a non-profit organization for recycling oil, solvents and general chemicals. It is based in Rhyl, Wales, UK.
		The EA runs an 'Oil Care' Campaign, aimed at helping to avoid pollution and its expensive consequences; on their site, search for 'Oil care campaign'. For more information on disposal click here .
		The Oil Recycling Association (ORA) is a UK Trade Association whose members collect and process for recovery the majority of post use mineral hydrocarbon type oils in the UK. They give a communications message concerning the combustion as a fuel of processed used mineral oil.
		Pure Fuels Ltd offer free used cooking oil (soybean, sunflower, canola, rape, corn and peanut) collection from restaurants in the London area and they pay for bulk waste cooking oil. They make bio diesel from cooking oil.
		Unic International (UK) produce oil filter presses (remove 95% oil content), oil filter cutters, also a paint Solvent Recycler (they detail economics of its use) and a paint 'Aqua Clean Filter kit', for more info click here .
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Paint and Coatings		Since Dec '95 the EU Ecolabelling scheme applies to indoor paints/varnishes. To be awarded the Ecolabel, the coating must meet set criteria including freedom from toxic substances, efficient use of titanium dioxide, and minimum volatile organic solvents (VOCs). The Paint Research Association (PRA) is one of two UK labs authorised to test products for compliance.
		Where does paint go and what do you do with your old paint? Difficult one, this. We have not been able to find satisfactory answers, except possibly from Community Re>Paint (below). Our researcher was told by the PRA (also below) that they keep applying for research funding to support paint recycling projects but without success. We believed that individuals weren't supposed to put old paint in the wheelies, but when we took several old cans to the SCC waste disposal site (Kingston) we were told to throw them in with the normal waste and in future to put them in the wheelie bin.
		The PRA (Paint Research Association) promotes research, scientific and technological work in connection with paint, colour and allied industries, maintaining appropriate laboratories. They acquire, edit and publish literature on the activities of these industries, maintaining a library and establishing data and information relating to them.
		Auro Organic Paints make natural organic paints and supply end users and the trade. Products use natural raw materials, do not use petro chemicals and include gloss, eggshell, emulsion paints, woodstains, adhesives etc .
		Community RePaint redistributes unwanted paint to those in need, providing environmentally and socially beneficial waste minimisation / re-use. A novel solution, managed by Resource Futures. The site tells you what you can and cannot recycle and where your nearest collection point is.
		EarthBorn Paints, made from natural, biodegradable ingredients without compromising performance, are safer, pleasanter to use and live with and better for the environment. They include Emulsion, Claypaint, Wall Glaze .
		Ecos Organic Paints claim to produce the world's only range of solvent-free, odourless paints and varnishes, in 84 colours and a range of finishes .
		LILI sell Aglaia paints which are made from natural materials and all the waste from the manufacturing process is composted. LILI state you won't go back to using conventional paints when you've used paints that smell nice and are good for your health, the environment, and your building.
		Livos claim to be the world's leader in the development and application of natural paints, choosing organic ingredients where possible .
		NUTSHELL Natural Paints offer environmentally friendly, natural alternatives to petrochemical paints and varnishes. Their Web site enables you to choose and order a wide range finishes and colours online .
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Panes of Glass		Panes of glass should not be put in the usual glass recycling containers provided by councils as sheet glass is too dangerous and should be disposed of properly. Some examples of firms who will do this are:
		Berryman state they are the UK’s largest specialist glass collection company; they will collect all types of plate glass nationwide .
		Salvo specialise in reclaimed materials for building and gardens; we have read that this includes panes of glass .
Photographic Chemicals		If you are a professional processor you will have access to safety and reclamation schemes but as an amateur you may wonder what to do with surplus chemicals, click here for suggestions .
		Earth911, a US site, provide Tips for Recycling and Disposing of Photographic Chemicals. They are an environmental services company dealing with products' end-of-life for businesses and consumers.
		Ilford provide advice on disposal of used chemicals and other photographic waste.
		Kodak provide advice via their site under product end of life management; they cover chemicals - recycling and disposal.
		Wastebook provide advice on photographic waste and give links to many organisations who are involved in this area.

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