We don't collect hazardous items with your regular collections, but we can help you dispose of them or arrange a specialist collection.

Hazardous waste service

Use this service (through the City of London website) to arrange the collection of:

• asbestos
• pesticides
• petrol
• paraffin
• diesel
• creosote
• paint strippers

Book a hazardous waste collection

Clinical waste collection service

We provide a free, separate collection service for both bagged clinical waste and sharps.

• Clinical waste collections

Reuse and recycling centres 

The following items can be taken to a reuse and recycling centre for recycling or safe disposal:

• asbestos
• car tyres and batteries
• electrical items
• empty gas bottles
• engine oil
• household batteries
• fluorescent tubes and lightbulbs

Asbestos

When broken up, asbestos fibres are a health hazard. So, if you’re throwing away an item containing asbestos, please double-bag it or wrap it in heavy-duty polythene. We don’t accept asbestos water tanks.

If you’re not sure how to manage asbestos in your house, get advice from a licensed contractor.

Transporting asbestos yourself for disposal at a recycling centre:

• all asbestos must be double-wrapped in strong polythene (1000 gauge) and sealed with strong, broad tape (for example, duct tape)
• all loose edges and corners must be secure and sealed before transporting
• site visitors must report to site staff, who will unlock the asbestos container for the resident to deposit the asbestos - this will be recorded in the asbestos register

Electrical items

Anything that requires batteries or a plug to operate is classified as Waste Electronic or Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and cannot be disposed of through household waste collections.

All household electronic and electrical items can be recycled at a reuse and recycling centre, and smaller electrical items (e.g. clocks, remote controls, games consoles and kettles) can be taken to some mini recycling sites. 

Most retailers will offer to collect your old appliances for recycling when they deliver your new ones.

Larger items such as fridges, freezers, washing machines and TVs can be collected for a fee via the bulky waste collection service.

Batteries

The batteries that are found in many electronic devices can become damaged and cause fires when not disposed of correctly. Never put batteries in your household waste bins. Only recycle them using a proper battery recycling service.

Batteries can be recycled at a reuse and recycling centre.

All large battery retailers are obliged to take back used household batteries for recycling.

• Find your nearest collection point

There is more information on safe battery disposal at the Take Charge campaign website.

Septic tanks

We do not operate a septic tank emptying service.

If you need to have a septic tank or cesspool emptied, you must contact a private contractor.