What are special or hazardous wastes?
Special wastes are any products that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, infectious or radioactive. These items need special handling and if improperly used or disposed, pose a risk to public health and the environment. Examples of special wastes include:
- Acids
- Antifreeze
- Contaminated soils, gravels, sediments
- Cooking oil
- Corrosives
- Dry cleaning waste
- Electric (lithium) batteries
- Fertilizers
- Fluorescent lamps and ballasts
- Fuels
- Greases and lubricants
- Lead acid & household batteries
- Low level radioactive wastes
- Mercury containing items
- Misc Laboratory chemicals
- Oils
- Oxidisers
- Paints and thinners
- Pesticides
- Refrigerant and gasses
How do I correctly dispose of Special Waste?
Residents should bring their unwanted special waste to the Tynes Bay Public Drop-Off and use the designated storage containers. To avoid human injury and environmental harm, residents should never dispose of special waste items in their regular waste bags or bins.
Businesses wishing to dispose of unwanted to special waste should follow the information provided in the following link (Link to section 8.5) or contact SWM at waste@gov.bm.
Asbestos waste
Waste Management’s Special Waste Section follows United States standards for the safe removal and handling of asbestos from both residential and business properties. All Special Waste technicians are licensed annually on the safe removal, wrapping and transport of asbestos. Licensed asbestos handlers in Bermuda must be certified and demonstrate familiarity with the attached Asbestos Receiving Policy for Bermuda.
In 2017, the Solid Waste Section began exporting remediated asbestos, packaged and transported in compliance with all USA waste policies, to the USA. Once in the USA, this asbestos is landfilled in a facility that is licensed by the US EPA to receive and safely dispose of this material. Over the past 5 years, one hundred and thirty-seven 20’ shipping containers of asbestos have been sent to a licensed Title D landfill facility in the USA for disposal.
Asbestos - (Link the Asbestos Receiving Policy here)
Fats, oils and greases (FOG)
Hot water, detergent and soap DO NOT wash away the fats, oils, and grease poured down the drain. Pouring Fats, Oils, and Grease down the drain also reduces the effectiveness of cesspits to process and break down waste.
Sources of FOG include fat, from frying bacon, fries, meats, food scraps from plates, salad dressings, gravies and sauces.
Reduce the risk of FOG damage to your septic system by pouring cooled cooking oil, grease and fat into cans or sealed containers and put in the regular garbage. Dry wipe oil, grease and food debris from dishes, pots and pans with a paper towel before washing, then discard towel in the trash or, scrape food scraps from dishes into trash and dispose of properly.
Commercial loads of waste cooking oil may be delivered to the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy Facility.
Householders may take their containers of waste cooking oil to the Tynes Bay Public Drop Off and deposit in either bin 1 or 2 marked for household waste disposal. Do not pour waste cooking oil into the container marked “Motor Oil Only”.
For further information about FOG and correct disposal options go to https://www.gov.bm/food-and-beverage-safety
Waste motor oil collections
The Special Waste Section has a programme to collect fuels, waste motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid and other liquids related to the operation of vehicles. Under license from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, these liquids may be stored at your place of business in labelled, separate, designated totes. Special Waste operates a service for collection of these materials on a fee for service basis. Contact them on 501-3024 to establish an account.