Hazardous waste for business: definitions and obligations
Not all waste is the same. Some is classed as hazardous and demands particular care and stricter records. Understanding what makes waste hazardous is the first step to compliance, cigarette butts included.
What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste has one or more properties harmful to health or the environment (toxic, flammable, corrosive, ecotoxic). It is identified by a code with an asterisk and must not be mixed with general waste.
Hazardous or non-hazardous?
Non-hazardous waste follows lighter rules but still requires proper separation. Correct classification is done via the waste code.
Your obligations
Hazardous waste requires a consignment note and stricter records, part of the wider duty of care and waste tracking. The business remains responsible until final treatment.
The cigarette butt, a polluting waste
The cigarette butt shows why classification matters: it is contaminated and belongs in a dedicated stream. Easy to Change handles ashtrays, collection and recycling with MéGO — ashtrays made in Picardie/Somme.
Frequently asked questions
What makes waste hazardous?
Properties harmful to health or the environment: toxicity, flammability, corrosivity, ecotoxicity.
How is hazardous waste tracked?
Via a consignment note and stricter records, as part of the duty of care.
Who collects diffuse waste like butts?
Easy to Change organises the collection and recycling of butts with supporting records.
Give diffuse waste a proper stream
Start with butts: collection, recycling, records. Request your quote.