Liquid paint, solvents and most trade chemicals are classed as hazardous (special) waste. They must not go in a skip, a general bin or down the drain — they have to be collected by a licensed hazardous-waste carrier and moved under a consignment note. Getting it wrong risks prosecution, contamination and refused collections.
What counts as hazardous here?
- Liquid or part-used paint (especially solvent-based), varnishes and wood treatments;
- Solvents, thinners, white spirit and their contaminated rags or containers;
- Adhesives, resins, sealants and cleaning chemicals;
- Fuels, oils and workshop chemicals.
These carry hazardous properties (flammable, toxic, harmful to water), which is why they’re regulated separately from general waste.
How to dispose of it legally
- Keep it separate and sealed in its original or a clearly labelled container — don’t mix chemicals.
- Use a licensed hazardous-waste carrier. They’ll collect and take it to a permitted facility.
- Keep the consignment note. Hazardous waste moves under a consignment note (not a standard transfer note), which you must retain.
- Never tip it down a drain or into a skip. Both are illegal and cause pollution or fires.
What about dried paint?
Fully dried, water-based paint (and empty, dry tins) can often go with general waste — but liquid paint and any solvent-based product stays hazardous. When in doubt, treat it as hazardous.
Let us handle it
Select A Skip arranges compliant hazardous waste collections UK-wide, with the consignment paperwork sorted for you. Need general site waste cleared too? We can combine it with skip hire or a scheduled collection on one account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put paint in a skip?
No — liquid or solvent-based paint is hazardous waste and can’t go in a skip. Only fully dried, water-based paint and empty dry tins may go with general waste; anything liquid needs a hazardous collection.
Is it illegal to pour solvents down the drain?
Yes. Pouring solvents, thinners or chemicals down any drain is illegal and pollutes watercourses. They must be collected as hazardous waste.
What paperwork do I need for chemical waste?
Hazardous waste moves under a consignment note, which records the waste, carrier and destination. Keep your copies — they prove you disposed of it legally.
Can one provider take both hazardous and general waste?
Yes. It’s usually simplest to have one provider handle hazardous collections alongside your skips or trade waste, so it’s one contact and one set of paperwork.
Got trade chemicals to clear? Contact us for a compliant hazardous-waste collection.