Explosives

Members of the public should be discouraged from bringing explosive materials to HWRCs. If members of the public contact local authorities with requests as to how to dispose of explosive materials they should be advised to contact their local police station.
explosives box
However, there may be occasions when members of the public arrive at HWRCs with explosive materials without having contacted the local authority first. To deal with this eventuality a documented emergency procedure should be developed. Further information regarding segregation of HH type waste is available here.

In brief, one of two procedures should apply in such cases, depending on the nature of the material:

  • If the explosive materials consist of ordinance (e.g. hand grenades or similar devices) they may present immediate and serious danger to site staff and members of the public. In this case, sites should be evacuated and closed according to a documented emergency procedure. The police should be contacted as soon as the material arrives at the site.
  • Other explosive materials (such as marine flares or fireworks), may present a less immediate injury risk. In these cases, they should be temporarily stored in a dedicated explosives box to await collection by police officers. This box should be:
    • located in an area of the site not accessible to the public, and well away from flammable materials containers (at least five metres)
    • kept locked at all times.

HSE guidance on explosives (including ammonium nitrate fertilizers which may turn up in the waste stream) is given on their explosives website.

 

Hazardous waste category

Asbestos

Gas bottles

Automotive batteries

Household and garden chemicals

Clinical waste

Household batteries

Explosives

Motoring products

Fire extinguishers

Oils and oil filters

Fluorescent tubes

Paints and related DIY products

Fridges/freezers

WEEE

Other problematic wastes

Aerosols

Tyres

Vegetable oil

 

 

 

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Download the Guide in PDF format Download the Haz Guide

 i  Related links

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explosives website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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