Liquid Waste Guide
Not all waste is solid. Businesses generate various waste products in liquid form such as wastewater, oil, and chemicals. These must be managed safely and responsibly from the point of production to storage, removal, and disposal. Effective liquid waste management helps protect the environment and human health against any risks.
Hazardous and non-hazardous liquids pose potential threats such as slipping to more serious harm due to exposure to certain chemicals. Knowing how to store and manage any type of waste liquid is important for businesses. Learn what liquid waste is and how to dispose of it from your business responsibly with this guide.
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Contents
What is liquid waste?
Liquid waste is any waste material in a liquid state or form. These are fluids your business produces that are no longer needed, such as wastewater, used and dirty oils, and expired chemicals. Liquid waste can be hazardous or non-hazardous depending on its characteristics.
Waste liquids can be generated as a by-product during a manufacturing process, leftover liquid waste from the food and drinks industry, or contaminated motor oil from a garage that you can’t use. Some of the most common examples of liquid waste are:
- Wastewater
- Flood water and runoff
- Liquid food waste and cooking oil
- Sludge and sewage
- Solvents
- Chemicals and hazardous liquid waste
- Waste oil
- Detergents and cleaning products
How to dispose of liquid waste
Poorly managed liquid waste is dangerous. Spills could make their way into rivers, ponds, and reservoirs – leading to a devastating effect on wildlife. The Environment Agency has sweeping powers over such spills, and courts can impose unlimited fines and prison sentences on negligent companies and individuals.
Commercial liquid waste must be disposed of carefully and responsibly. You must store liquid waste in secure containers, drums, or bins depending on the type. We can provide your organisation with free bins to remove large and small quantities of hazardous and non-hazardous liquid waste.
To dispose of your waste liquid, simply fill these bins and containers within any max fill lines or weight limits. Then move to the agreed collection point ahead of the pickup time and licensed waste carriers will remove and transport it to a facility for treatment and disposal.
The liquid waste will undergo treatment such as solidification, dewatering, sedimentation, incineration, or composting (depending on the type of waste liquid). This avoids disposing of liquids in landfill or polluting water sources and the environment.
How much does liquid waste removal cost?
Liquid waste removal costs depend on the type and volume of liquids your business needs removed. The number, types, and sizes of bins and containers you use and how often you want them collected also impact the price – as well as your location in the UK.
The easiest way to get an idea of liquid waste removal cost for your business is to request a free bespoke quote. Tell us the types and number of containers you need and how often you want them collected for a tailored price – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.
What are the liquid waste disposal regulations?
Liquid waste cannot go to landfill under the Environment Agency regulations, since 2010. Each substance has different guidelines for its removal and disposal. Most liquid waste has a safe route to disposal or recycling, but there are specific regulations for hazardous liquid waste – Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005.
Under the Environment Agency’s regulations, businesses that produce hazardous liquid waste must:
- Store hazardous liquid waste safely
- Use the appropriate danger symbols on the waste container
- Register each site where hazardous waste is produced
- Only move or transport hazardous waste with the correct identifying paperwork
- Keep full auditable records of all waste transfers
- Ensure waste is managed safely and correctly by competent people
The same duty of care applies to waste management companies when the waste is transferred to them. This should be to a third party that can treat or reduce the waste until it’s either recyclable or rendered harmless. Liquid waste handling is a specialism. However, companies need to be aware of the procedures to ensure that no harm is done.
What is liquid waste pollution?
Liquid waste pollution is when fluids contaminate water sources such as rivers and lakes. Harmful substances can damage water sources for humans and wildlife and negatively affect the environment. Waste liquid can spread from its source or storage if it’s not carefully secured in an appropriate container.
The liquid may contain contaminants, so if it comes into contact with other liquids or soaks into the ground it can cause pollution. Should this water be drunk or foods eaten that are grown in polluted soil then it can harm humans and animals.
What is waste water?
Waste water is any water that’s unclean and can’t be used for its primary purpose. It’s a catch-all term to define contaminated and dirty water that’s not drinkable, but may not be useable for its original design. Examples of waste water include runoff from buildings, flood water, and water used for irrigation.
What are sources of waste water?
Wastewater simply refers to any used water that requires treatment to be used again. Many different industries and businesses can produce wastewater during their daily operations. There are various sources of wastewater, which can include:
- Domestic – bathing, toilet flushing, and laundry
- Commercial – cleaning, processing, and drainage
- Industrial – chemicals and oils used in manufacturing
- Agricultural – surface run-off from fields, animal feed, and cleaning
- Storm and surface water – run-off from the land
- Sewage – sewer inflow or infiltration
How to reduce water waste
Almost a third of water is wasted around the world due to reasons such as leaks and inefficient use. Treatment of liquid waste and sewage is another source of water waste. Businesses can do their bit to reduce water waste that benefits the environment and saves you money on water bills.
These are a few ideas to reduce water waste in your organisation:
- Track water usage – monitor and review water consumption across your business to identify areas where it needs reducing.
- Check and fix leaks – the longer a leak goes on, the more water is wasted. Check pipes for holes and arrange repairs quickly.
- Install automatic taps – taps in bathrooms and kitchens with sensors reduce the risk of them being left on and running.
- Collect rainwater and runoff – use buckets and barrels to collect rainwater and use it to water plants or any gardens.
- Create a water-saving policy – include steps such as only turning on dishwashers and washing machines when full.
What is domestic liquid waste?
At home there are various sources of domestic liquid waste – it’s not just businesses that produce waste liquid. These commonly include leftover cleaning products that you shouldn’t pour down the drain, used cooking oil, and any drinks that aren’t consumed.
Wastewater from your kitchen and bathroom, alongside sewage, also counts as domestic liquid waste. This should be connected to your local sewage system unless you have an unconnected chemical toilet.
Why is liquid waste management important?
Effective liquid waste management is important both at work and in the home to protect human health and the environment. Improper disposal can lead to contamination of water and land, leading to contamination and sickness in humans and animals that use these sources. It may ruin crops and spread disease, which proper management can avoid.
As a business, liquid waste management is also important to ensure you meet your corporate responsibilities and abide by any legal regulations. This is essential especially when disposing of hazardous liquid waste, to avoid your company facing any fines for improper disposal.
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- Free quote within 1 hr
- Any type of liquid waste
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- We cover all of the UK
Published 19th March 2025 by Graham Matthews.