Types of Hazardous Waste and How to Handle It Safely

Main Types of Hazardous Waste

Chemical Waste

Chemical waste includes substances that are toxic, reactive, corrosive or flammable. They can cause dangerous reactions, especially if you’re mixing them. 

It includes: Industrial solvents, acids, alkalis, cleaning agents, and laboratory reagents.

Industrial By-Products

Industrial by-products are leftover materials from your manufacturing or energy processes. They might contain harmful compounds. 

They include: Slag, fly ash, contaminated filters and metal-laden dust or sludge.

Biological Waste

Your biological waste has organic material in it that could carry pathogens or pose a health risk. 

It includes: Contaminated PPE, animal carcasses, blood-soaked items, used syringes and laboratory cultures.

Asbestos

Asbestos waste includes fibrous mineral materials that are dangerous when they’re airborne. 

Including: Insulation, ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, and roofing materials found in older buildings.

Combustible Waste

Your combustible waste includes substances that can easily catch fire in some situations. 

It includes: Flammable liquids, gas canisters, oily rags, solvents and fine dusts like sawdust or grain dust.

Tips for Handling Your Hazardous Waste Safely

When you’re moving or storing hazardous waste, safety and compliance are crucial.

Choosing the right bulk bag is key to making sure you’re 100% safe and everything runs smoothly. Here’s what you need to know to get it right:

Packing Groups and Why They Matter

Hazardous waste is split into three packing groups based on their level of risk:

• Packing Group I (X) – High danger
• Packing Group II (Y) – Medium danger
• Packing Group III (Z) – Low danger

Each group has different criteria for packaging strength and safety. So it’s really important that you stay compliant by matching your bulk bag to the right group.

Matching the Right Bulk Bag to Your Job

For your general hazardous waste: UN-certified bulk bags are designed to transport and store dangerous materials in line with international standards. They’re designed to resist tearing, toppling, dropping and stacking.

Find out more: ADR & UN-Certified Bulk Bags

For your combustible materials: Use Type D anti-static bulk bags. Fine powders like sugar, starch or zinc oxide can build static electricity and ignite. Type D bags will dissipate static safely without grounding – making them ideal for your combustible zones.

Find out more: Anti-Static Bulk Bags

Got a unique challenge? Customise your FIBCs. If you’re storing niche materials or working in sensitive environments, tailored bags will give you far better control. 

Lined bags, for example, give you an extra barrier during transport. You’ve also got options like specialist coatings, additional sealing, custom printing and reinforced fabrics.

We’ll Help You Get It Right

We can help you find the right packaging for your hazardous waste, whether you need a single batch or a long-term solution. Talk to our team today and we’ll help you keep your people safe, your waste secure and your business compliant.

Need help finding the best bulk bag for you? Just ask our expert team.