Who is the HazBox service for?
The University operates a HazBox service for departments outside of the science area that produce small amounts of specific types of hazardous waste.
HazBox contents
When you sign up to the scheme you will be provided with a 55 litre lidded plastic container to put your hazardous waste in. Items that are permitted and can be collected in the box include:
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waste aerosols (e.g. poster mounting, air freshener)
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waste dry cell alkaline batteries (e.g. clock, calculator)
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waste lead acid batteries (e.g. department vehicle)
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waste NiCd batteries (e.g. emergency lighting)
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waste lithium ion batteries (e.g. laptop batteries, button cell batteries)
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waste oil (e.g. department vehicles, boiler house)
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waste oil filters (e.g. department vehicle)
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waste cleaning chemicals/detergents containing surfactant
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waste solvent-based paint, adhesives, resins, other flammable liquids
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waste contaminated rags/wipes (e.g. oil contaminated rags)
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waste corrosive liquids - acidic (e.g. sulphuric acid)
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waste corrosive liquids - basic (e.g. sodium hydroxide)
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empty containers (e.g. oil containers)
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fluorescent tubes and other mercury bulbs
The HazBox service must not be used for the disposal of non-hazardous waste. Departments must make their own arrangements for collection of non-hazardous waste.
The HazBox process
To use the scheme, you're required to provide and maintain up-to-date details on:
- department (building) name
- address, including postcode
- exact location of where your HazBox is stored
- any special notes on the arrangements for collection
- whether the building is within a zero emission zone in Oxford
- a primary contact for coordinating the collection, being present on the day to handover waste to Grundon and to sign any relevant paperwork
- a secondary contact who can act as a deputy
- confirmation whether the building is managed by an Estates FM team
- the name of your departmental safety officer
- the name (as relevant) of your area or divisional safety officer
You will also be required to complete and maintain an up-to-date Hazard Identification Form (HIF). This provides technical information to Grundon on their vehicle access and associated handling risks from your building. A blank HIF proforma is available for completion.
The above information, along with completed HIFs, is available on a dedicated Grundon HazBox Scheme Teams channel. The channel is restricted to those who currently use the system. If you want to be added, please email hazardouswaste@safety.ox.ac.uk.
The Safety Office will coordinate the collection and disposal of your waste on a quarterly basis. Prior to the collection you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire checking whether you need a collection on the date prescribed, as well as confirming that the contents are in line with the prescribed list and whether any larger items require collection at the same time.
You're required to complete the form regardless of whether you require a collection or not, so the Safety Office can keep track of the University's hazardous waste disposal.
This is the regular collection round process. More frequent collections can be made, or other items included where necessary, by prior arrangement with the University Safety Office.
More information
Grundon have produced their own leaflet on the HazBox scheme. However, please ensure all communication regarding the scheme is undertaken via the Safety Office. Please do not contact Grundon directly.
In addition, you can find out more by completing the online training presentation Training A-Z | Safety Office (ox.ac.uk).
