Hazardous waste

Proper disposal of hazardous waste is essential for protecting your health, your community, and the environment. This page explains what’s considered hazardous, how to dispose of it safely, and important new safety updates about lithium-ion batteries.

What is hazardous waste?

Hazardous waste includes household items that can’t go in general rubbish or recycling bins due to health and safety risks posed to humans or the environment.

Common hazardous items:

  • asbestos
  • chemicals, such as brake fluid or print toner
  • batteries
  • solvents
  • pesticides
  • oils (except edible ones), such as car oil
  • equipment containing ozone depleting substances, like fridges
  • hazardous waste containers

You can find more information about hazardous waste on the government’s website.

Important fire warning: Lithium-ion batteries

There has been a sharp increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in:

  • E-bikes
  • E-scooters
  • Mobile phones
  • Vapes
  • Power banks
  • Other rechargeable electronics

If these batteries are damaged, overcharged, or thrown in rubbish or recycling bins, they can ignite during collection or processing, causing fires in:

  • Waste collection trucks
  • Recycling centres
  • Residential buildings

What’s changing

To improve safety:

  • Do not place lithium-ion batteries in rubbish or recycling bins.
  • Idea Stores will no longer accept battery drop-offs due to fire safety concerns.
  • Safe disposal options include:
    • Northumberland Wharf Reuse and Recycling Centre
    • Retailer take-back schemes (available at most supermarkets and electronics stores)
    • The Recycle Your Electricals Locator to find safe local options

How to dispose of Hazardous Waste

Tower Hamlets residents can access a free hazardous waste collection service provided in partnership with the City of London.

What can be collected:

  • Paint
  • Household chemicals
  • Gas bottles
  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Asbestos (up to 15 square metres)

How do you arrange household hazardous waste collections?

Household batteries (AA, AAA, etc.)

  • Can be dropped off at most supermarkets or shops that sell batteries
  • Look for dedicated battery bins near the tills

Small electrical items

  • Can be taken to local recycling banks across the borough
  • Also accepted at Northumberland Wharf

Asbestos

The City of London collects wrapped asbestos from Tower Hamlets.

Arrange a collection for hazardous waste

Chemicals (including paint)

The City of London collects boxed chemicals from Tower Hamlets.

Arrange a collection for hazardous waste

Fridges

Book a hazardous waste collection