Household hazardous waste data for the UK by direct sampling.

Environ Sci Technol

Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BP, UK.

Published: April 2007

AI Article Synopsis

  • A study in southeast England assessed household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal, involving over 500 families using special bins to collect specific waste types.
  • Over a 32-week period, more than 1 ton of HHW was collected, suggesting that nationwide, around 51,000 tons could be generated, equating to over 7,000 tons monthly.
  • The findings indicate common disposal practices, with many homeowners co-disposing waste with regular trash to avoid it being classified as hazardous under UK regulations, which is important for managing HHW and environmental risk assessments.

Article Abstract

The amount of household hazardous waste (HHW) disposed of in the United Kingdom (UK) requires assessment. This paper describes a direct analysis study carried out in three areas in southeast England involving over 500 households. Each participating householder was provided with a special bin in which to place items corresponding to a list of HHW. The amount of waste collected was split into nine broad categories: batteries, home maintenance (DIY), vehicle upkeep, pesticides, pet care, pharmaceuticals, photographic chemicals, household cleaners, and printer cartridges. Over 1 T of waste was collected from the sample households over a 32-week period, which would correspond to an estimated 51,000 T if extrapolated to the UK population for the same period or over 7,000 T per month. Details of likely disposal routes adopted by householders were also sought, demonstrating the different pathways selected for different waste categories. Co-disposal with residual household waste dominated for waste batteries and veterinary medicines, hence avoiding classification as hazardous waste under new UK waste regulations. The information can be used to set a baseline for the management of HHW and provides information for an environmental risk assessment of the disposal of such wastes to landfill.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/es061775wDOI Listing

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