Use of chemicals and their disposal

Unknown chemical - what do i do?
Storing chemicals
Chemical disposal
Oil disposal
Asbestos disposal
Battery disposal
Creosote ban

Unknown chemicals
If you find a container with an unknown chemical in your house or garden, take it to the local community recycling centre and tip at Charlton Lane and ask them to place it in the hazardous chemical store.

If you find an unusual substance, contact Pollution Control who will decide whether it should be analysed.

Storing chemicals
Generally, chemicals should be kept:

cool
in the shade
away from drains
in a well ventilated place
with the lid securely fastened
out of reach of children

If in doubt, follow the storage and disposal instructions on the container.

Household waste guide - the garden shed (external link)

Chemical disposal
Hazardous household and garden chemicals can be taken to the local community recycling centre and tip at Charlton Lane where they will be placed in the hazardous chemical store.
For further informtion about the materials accepted at the community recycling centre, go to Surrey Waste (external link).

Oil disposal
Oil should be taken to the local community recycling centre and tip at Charlton Lane where there is a special facility for disposal of engine oil and filters .

Household waste guide - the garage (external link)

Under no circumstances should oil be poured down a public drain. If anyone spots oil being disposed of in this way, please ring the Environment Agency incident hotline (0800 80 70 60) and your sewerage provider (either Thames Water or Three Valleys Water).

Asbestos disposal
Asbestos products should be handled carefully to make sure it is not damaged. Domestic asbestos waste can be taken to the Charton Lane community recycling centre and tip. Several sheets will be accepted - but it's best to ring ahead to confirm the number (01932 782 792).

Asbestos factsheet

External links
Environment Agency asbestos guidance for the construction industry
Heath and Safety Executive asbestos essentials

Battery disposal

Bring your old batteries in to the Reception area in Knowle Green and place them in one of our battery bins.

Types of batteries accepted:
AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button batteries

Car batteries can be taken to the community recycling centre at Charlton Lane

Creosote ban

Since 30 June 2003, creosote has been withdrawn from sale to householders. Stored creosote must not be used by householders and should have been disposed of safely and responsibly by 31 June 2004. The change in law is due to its recently found cancerous properties.

Creosote use

Creosote treated timber may not be newly used inside buildings, toys, playgrounds, garden furniture, packaging of human and animal consumables (including growing containers), or in any item which may receive frequent skin contact.

Provided there is no risk of frequent skin contact it is acceptable to keep already treated wood in the garden.

Creosote disposal

Residents should take their unused creosote to Charlton Lane community recycling centre and tip and inform the operator so it may be disposed of in their hazardous chemical store.

Retailers should contact the Environment Agency for disposal of their stock.

External links

Revocation of approvals for amateur creosote/coal tar creosote wood preservatives
The Creosote (Prohibition on Use and Marketing) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003 1511)