Recommended disposal of a substance hazardous to health (COSHH) is to?

• A. Seek advice on the method of disposal from the local environment health and trading standards office
• B. Dispose of it with regular waste
• C. Dilute and pour down the drain
• D. Keep it indefinitely in the workplace

Answer: (A)

When handling substances hazardous to health under COSHH, disposal must follow legal and environmental requirements rather than trying ad-hoc methods. The best course is to seek guidance from the local environment health and trading standards office to determine the correct disposal route. They can identify whether the substance is classified as hazardous waste, prescribe the proper containers and labeling, and point you to registered disposal contractors or facilities. This approach protects people, the environment, and your organization from penalties and exposure to dangerous substances.

Disposing of hazardous materials with regular waste ignores how these substances interact with waste streams, can contaminate general trash and recycling, and may breach environmental regulations. Diluting and pouring substances down the drain often transfers the hazard to water systems and sewer networks, which is commonly prohibited or requires specific, tightly controlled permits. Keeping hazardous substances indefinitely in the workplace creates ongoing risk of spills, leaks, or accidental exposure, and doesn’t align with regulatory expectations for safe management.