The City of London operates a Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal Service (HWCDS) on behalf of 31 of the 32 London Boroughs (the exception being the London Borough of Hillingdon) and the City of London. For residents of all London boroughs (with the exception of Hillingdon) and the City of London please follow the information below. Please be aware that we do not collect paint from the LB of Haringey.
The service is able to arrange for the removal of wrapped asbestos and packaged chemicals from households. If you find that you have either asbestos or chemicals to dispose of you will need to contact us with the details of what needs to be collected.
In the case of asbestos we will need to know
- the size of each piece of asbestos and the number of pieces to be collected
In the case of chemicals we will need to know
- the name of each chemical to be collected and an estimate of the quantity
We need to know this information so that we can arrange the correct type of collection for you.
In the case of asbestos we are not able to dismantle or wrap the asbestos for you. This must be done prior to collection. Likewise, chemicals need to be packaged prior to collection.
Asbestos Information Sheet (1.4mb)
Chemical Information Sheet (1.4mb)
When calling to arrange a collection you will need to tell us:
- the name of the London borough you live in
- your full name, address and telephone number
- details of the items to be collected
You will then be informed of any charges which may apply. You are entitled to 1 asbestos collection per year and 3 chemical collections per year (dependent on quantity).
Once you have given details of the collection you require, the HWCDS Officer will calculate and inform you of the cost of your collection, if there is a charge payable. You can make payment over the telephone by credit or debit card. If a charge is payable a collection cannot be arranged until payment has been received in full.
You will then be sent a form giving details of the collection you have requested and, if applicable, a receipt for your payment. No collection can be arranged until this form has been completed and returned.
On receipt of your completed form we contact our contractor to inform them of the collection you require. You will then be telephoned by the contractor to inform you of the day and time your collection will be made. This service is very busy and it can take up to two weeks for a collection to be arranged once your paperwork has been returned.
This is a very specialist service and all the correct paperwork must be completed and returned before your collection can be arranged. A delay in returning your paperwork will mean that you will have to wait longer for a collection.
The contractor divides the collections into areas of London and so you will receive a collection when the contractor is next working in your area.
If you would like to arrange a collection or would like more information regarding this service please telephone 020 7332 3433. If you reach an answer phone, please leave a message and someone will call you back.
The following organisations also have useful information on a variety of hazardous waste issues.
The Environment Agency
The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association
Pesticides Safety Directorate
Community RePaint
The National Hazardous Waste Forum
For further information please see the Health and Safety Executive's website.