Businesses in the UK have a legal responsibility to contain any waste products safely and dispose of them in line with the regulations set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This includes discarded commercial and household cleaning products.
Why correct waste disposal is so important
Knowing how to dispose of cleaning products is very important, as cleaning chemicals can cause serious harm to human health and the environment.
This is why commercial cleaning products must be disposed of safely and legally. Failing to follow the recommended guidelines can result in fines and prosecution.
If your business uses sanitising products, then here is everything you need to know about the safe disposal of cleaning chemicals.
How to dispose of commercial cleaning products
Step 1: Identify if a cleaning product is hazardous
Businesses that use cleaning chemicals must conduct a risk assessment to identify whether a cleaning product is classed as hazardous.
Hazardous waste is categorised into three key areas: always hazardous, never hazardous, or may or may not be hazardous. Cleaning supplies containing toxic ingredients must be disposed of with extra care and caution.
How to check if a cleaning product is hazardous
You can find out whether your industrial cleaning supplies are classed as hazardous by reading the labels on the back of your sanitising products to check their CLP classification.
The UK guidelines on hazardous waste will also give you advice on how to dispose of hazardous cleaning chemicals safely and legally.
Pro Tip: Most household cleaning products can be safely disposed of with your general waste but you should check with your local waste disposal facility for any special instructions.
Step 2: Hire an authorised waste contractor
Any cleaning materials that are classed as hazardous, e.g. corrosive cleaning items and flammables, must never be poured down the drain as they can contaminate water supplies and cause serious harm to human health, wildlife, and the environment.
They must, therefore, be disposed of through a professional hazardous waste collection and disposal company.
How to find an authorised waste removal company
Businesses must hire an authorised waste contractor to collect and dispose of hazardous cleaning solutions and sanitising products. Make sure that the waste company you choose is authorised to handle your unwanted or unused cleaning chemicals.
You can visit the GOV.UK website or contact your local waste disposal facility for more information on local hazardous waste disposal services in your area.
Step 3: Reduce cleaning product waste
If you’re buying cleaning solutions for your business, then you should only purchase what you need and use all of the cleaning product to reduce waste.
Adopting sustainable practices will save your business money on industrial cleaning supplies, increase your bottom line, and reduce environmental pollution.
Step 4: Choose multi-purpose cleaning solutions
Buying multi-purpose cleaning items will also help you avoid unnecessary waste as the cleaning product can be used in various applications. This will eliminate the need to buy large quantities of different cleaning supplies and sanitising products.
Byotrol multi-purpose cleaning solution
Our Byotrol 4 in 1 antiviral disinfectant is a multi-purpose surface cleaner that kills 99.99% of known bacteria and viruses and provides 24-hour lasting protection.
This innovative antiviral disinfectant can be used on all hard surfaces including stainless steel, tiles, walls, and floors, as well as carpets, furnishings, and upholstery.
Get in touch with our cleaning specialists if you have any questions about how to dispose of commercial cleaning chemicals and sanitation products safely and legally. Our team is always happy to help.
Buy professional cleaning supplies
At Ultima, we sell a wide selection of industrial cleaning supplies and pro-clean products.
Our comprehensive range of cleaning items includes surface cleaner, floor cleaning products, disinfectants for coronavirus, and specialist cleaning equipment.
You can buy cleaning products online and have items delivered directly to your business facility by visiting the Ultima Store.
How to recycle cleaning products
If you’re buying cleaning solutions for your business, then you should only purchase what you need and use all of the cleaning product to reduce waste.
Adopting sustainable practices will save your business money on industrial cleaning supplies, increase your bottom line, and reduce environmental pollution.
Can you recycle cleaning product bottles?
You can recycle non-hazardous cleaning product bottles with the rest of your waste. Make sure that you clean bottles thoroughly before placing them in your recycling bin.
Hazardous cleaning product bottles will need to be taken to a specialist recycling facility.
Tips to help you safely throw away cleaning products
- Read product labels: Carefully read the labels of commercial and household cleaning products to identify any specific disposal instructions or warnings.
- Don’t pour down drains: Do not pour cleaning products down drains, toilets, or sinks unless specified by the product instructions. Many cleaning products can be harmful to the environment and water systems.
- Recycle containers: Many cleaning product containers are made from recyclable materials. Recycle containers whenever possible.
- Secure packaging: Ensure that cleaning product containers are tightly sealed and properly labelled to prevent leaks or spills during disposal.
- Donate products: You can donate unexpired cleaning products and supplies to a charity like the Hygiene Bank.
Summary
Reading the labels on the back of your cleaning solutions is the easiest way to get advice on how to dispose of a particular cleaning product safely. The government’s guidelines on hazardous waste disposal can also give you extra advice and guidance.
If you find yourself in a position where you need to dispose of cleaning supplies, then make sure you know the best practices to follow for the safe disposal of cleaning chemicals.
Always contact your local council or a professional waste collection and disposal company if you are unsure of your responsibilities.
Get in touch with our cleaning specialists
Get in touch with our cleaning specialists if you have any questions about how to dispose of commercial cleaning chemicals and sanitation products safely and legally. Our team is always happy to help.
