Dispose of hazardous waste safely

Hazardous waste includes substances or objects that have been removed from use and pose a special risk to health or the environment.

Hazardous waste includes, for example:

• energy-saving light bulbs and other fluorescent lights 
• batteries
• medicines, needles and syringes
• accumulators
• waste oil, oil filters and other oily waste 
• solvents, such as turpentine, paint thinner, acetone, petrol, fuel oil and solvent-based cleaning agents
• wet paint, glue and varnish (including nail polish)
• pressurised packages, such as aerosol cans (that slosh or hiss) 
• alkaline washing and cleaning agents 
• pesticides and disinfectants 
• fire extinguishers and gas cylinders 
• New Year’s tin
• mercury thermometers.

Where can hazardous waste be taken?

Households’ hazardous waste is received by

• HSY collection containers for hazardous waste
• Sortti Stations
• HSY collection vehicles touring in spring.

Check your nearest collection point at kierratys.info. 

Exceptions

• Take any unused medicines to a pharmacy.
• Batteries can also be taken to stores that sell them. Cover battery terminals with tape.
• Small amounts of asbestos can be taken to the Ämmässuo Sortti Station for a fee.
• Take pressure impregnated wood to a Sortti Station or a large wood product or hardware store. See the Kestopuu website for the reception locations.
• Take explosives (e.g. fireworks, distress rockets, flares, ammunition) to the police or the sellers.

Instructions for handling hazardous waste

• Keep hazardous waste separate from other waste.
• Do not mix different kinds of hazardous waste with each other.
• Where possible, store hazardous waste in its original packaging or label the packages clearly. 
• Make sure that the packages are sealed and remain intact during transport. 
• Take petrol to a collection point in an undamaged canister. 

Read more about hazardous waste on the HSY website.