Solvent Disposal for UK Businesses
National Recycling provides solvent disposal for businesses across the UK, collecting used solvents, thinners and cleaning solvents from your site for recycling.
Solvent waste collections
Waste Solvents We Collect
Solvents are used for cleaning, degreasing, thinning and production across many sectors, including vehicle repair, printing, manufacturing, joinery, laboratories and facilities maintenance.
Handled with care.
Cleaning and degreasing solvents.
From parts washing, equipment cleaning and maintenance.Thinners.
Used and surplus thinners from spraying, finishing and decorating.Acetone, ethanol and isopropanol.
Common solvents from labs, workshops and production lines.Solvent-based paint.
Liquid paint and residues, covered in more detail on our paint disposal page.Contaminated containers.
Tins, drums and IBCs that held solvents.
From your site to a fresh start
How Waste Solvent Disposal Works
- 01
Get in touch.
Tell us which solvents you have, roughly how much, how they are stored and your collection postcode. A photo or a safety data sheet helps us quote accurately. - 02
Get your quote.
Our team replies with a quote providing clear pricing details. - 03
We collect.
A verified waste carrier from our national haulage network collects from your site on an agreed date, as a one-off or on a regular schedule. - 04
Recycling or safe disposal.
Your waste goes to licensed recycling facilities where materials can be recovered safely, or to licensed disposal sites where they cannot. - 05
Receive your documents.
You get a hazardous waste consignment note for each collection. Keep it for three years in England and Wales.
Let’s get it sorted
Get a Solvent Disposal Quote
Tell us what solvents you have and our team will reply with a quote. Call 0845 366 9306 or request a quote online.
Peace of mind
Why Solvents Require Professional Disposal
Most waste solvents are classed as hazardous waste because they are flammable, harmful or both, so they cannot be poured down the drain, placed in general waste or taken to a household recycling centre. Vapours can build up inside a sealed container and some combinations react, which is why solvents must be kept in sealed, labelled containers away from heat, sparks and drains until a licensed carrier collects them. Professional disposal keeps that risk off your site, ensures each load moves on a hazardous waste consignment note, and sends solvents for recovery wherever it is safe to do so.
A partner you can depend on
Why Choose National Recycling for Solvent Waste Disposal
Small and large volumes.
We arrange one-off and regular collections, whether you have a few tins of thinners or drums of used solvent.UK-wide coverage.
Our network of haulage partners collects from businesses nationwide, with a head office in Northampton and a depot in Burscough, Lancashire.Fully compliant.
We use verified waste carriers, licensed recycling facilities and licensed disposal sites, in line with UK regulations.Recycling first.
We recover materials wherever it is possible and safe, and only dispose of what cannot be recycled.Fast quotes.
Our team replies quickly to every enquiry, providing a fast turnaround for collections.One-off or regular.
Book a single clearance or a scheduled collection, with one supplier for every location.
Find the right service
Related Services
How do you dispose of solvents?
Waste solvents should be stored in sealed, labelled containers and collected by a licensed waste carrier, never poured down the drain or put in general waste. National Recycling collects solvents from businesses across the UK, sends them for recovery wherever possible and provides a hazardous waste consignment note for each collection.
Are waste solvents classed as hazardous waste?
Most waste solvents are classed as hazardous waste because they are flammable, harmful or both. That means they must be collected by a licensed carrier and moved with a hazardous waste consignment note. In England and Wales you need to keep each consignment note for three years.
Can waste solvents be recycled?
Many waste solvents can be recovered and reused, especially when they are kept clean and separate from other waste. We send solvents to licensed recycling facilities wherever that is possible and safe, and to licensed disposal sites when they cannot be recovered.
Can I mix different waste solvents together?
It is best not to. Mixing solvents can make them harder to recover, and some combinations can react. Keep different solvents in separate, labelled containers where you can, and tell us what each one contains when you ask for a quote so we can plan the right collection.
How do I dispose of used thinners?
Used thinners are usually hazardous waste, so they need a licensed collection rather than the drain or general bin. Keep them in sealed, labelled tins or drums away from heat. We collect thinners alongside other solvents and paint waste, with a consignment note for your records.
How should I store waste solvent before collection?
Store waste solvent in sealed, labelled containers in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks and drains. Keep containers upright and use a drip tray where possible. We can supply approved containers, including COSHH bins, to help you store solvents safely until they are collected.