Running a successful hair or beauty salon is about more than just providing your customers with great haircuts and perfect manicures. It’s also about running a responsible business, and that includes properly managing your waste. Knowing how to dispose of different types of salon waste is crucial for both legal compliance and safeguarding the health of your clients, as well as doing your bit to protect the environment. In this blog post we will describe how to dispose of different types of salon waste: consider this your guide to everything you need to know about hair and beauty salon waste disposal in the UK.
There’s no denying that the beauty industry in the UK is booming. From high-street salons to mobile therapists, the demand for beauty treatments continues to grow year on year. This rise in salons naturally leads to an increase in beauty salon waste, making proper disposal even more critical. But it’s no longer merely temporary alterations that are on the rise. Semi permanent and invasive procedures are also gaining traction. And with the increasing popularity of treatments such as microblading and semi-permanent makeup (tattooed makeup), the amount of sharps waste produced by highstreet salons is also on the rise.
What are the Different Types of Salon Waste?
Salons generate a diverse range of waste, which can be broadly categorised into 2 types of salon waste: hazardous and non-hazardous. Understanding the difference is key to proper handling and disposal. Regardless of the size of the salon (or mobile salon) proper disposal of both types is of utmost importance.
- Hazardous Waste: This includes anything that poses a risk to human health or the environment. In a salon, this often means chemical waste (e.g. hair dyes, perms, nail polish remover, acrylic liquid, developer), sharps (e.g. needles, microblading tools), and potentially clinical waste (e.g. items contaminated with blood).
- Non-Hazardous Waste: This is your general salon waste, such as hair clippings, paper towels, empty product containers, and other similar items that you may find in many household bins, just on a larger scale. While not posing the same immediate risks as hazardous waste, proper disposal is still important. This also includes sanitary waste such as cotton pads and wipes – especially when there is a wide range of people’s waste being collected.
Why Proper Disposal of Salon Waste is Important
Disposal of salon waste correctly is not just a good idea, it’s a legal requirement. Failing to comply with UK regulations can lead to hefty fines and even legal action. Beyond legal issues, there are also practical and moral issues to safely disposing of your salon waste, in whatever form it may take. Firstly, it protects public health – both for your customers in the immediate area, but also once the waste has left your premises. Hazardous waste can cause serious health problems if not handled correctly; chemicals can be toxic, and sharps can cause injury and pose a risk of infection.
Secondly, in this industry, it is vital that you maintain a professional image. Clients, especially those who are nervous about invasive procedures, expect a clean and hygienic salon environment, and demonstrating responsible waste management reinforces your brand’s visual commitment to professionalism and displays your competence.
Finally, proper waste disposal is essential for environmental protection. Improperly disposed chemicals can contaminate water and harm wildlife. While this may not be a primary concern for most salons, a growing number of your potential customers value environmental responsibility. So, when shaping your business’s ethos, don’t dismiss environmental consciousness.
Disposal of Salon Waste: A Practical Guide
So, how do you actually dispose of different types of salon waste? Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:
- Segregation: The first step is to separate your waste at the source. Clearly labelled bins are essential for hazardous and non-hazardous waste, Sharps waste must always be placed in designated sharps containers. Sanitary waste should also be kept separate.
- Hazardous Waste Disposal: In the UK, hazardous salon waste must be handled by a licensed waste disposal company. These companies will collect your hazardous waste and dispose of it safely and legally. Make sure you have the correct documentation (waste transfer notes/consignment notes) to prove you’re complying with regulations. For items like hair dye and other chemicals, check the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific disposal instructions.
- Sharps Waste Disposal: Sharps waste requires specialist handling. You must use approved sharps containers, and these must be collected by a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. Never dispose of sharps in regular bins.
- Chemical Waste Disposal: As mentioned, chemical waste is hazardous and must be collected by a licensed waste disposal company. It’s crucial to store chemical waste safely in appropriate containers, away from other waste types, and to prevent spills. Always check the safety data sheet that comes with each chemical for specific handling and disposal advice.
- Sanitary Waste Disposal: While often considered non-hazardous, sanitary waste (cotton pads, wipes, etc.) should be disposed of hygienically. Provide dedicated bins for sanitary waste, and ensure they are regularly emptied. While it may go to general waste, consider using biodegradable or eco-friendly options where possible. This also includes sanitary bins in your washrooms. These must be emptied by professionals, and it may be best to arrange a regular sani bin collection service.
- Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal: Non-hazardous waste can usually be disposed of through your local council’s waste collection services. However, it’s still good practice to recycle as much as possible (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastic containers). Rinse out empty product containers before recycling. Consider recycling programs specific to salon waste, such as hair recycling initiatives.
- Waste Storage: Safe and compliant waste storage is crucial. Use secure containers, clearly labelled, and store hazardous waste in a designated area, away from other materials. Be aware of legal requirements for storing different types of waste on-site.
- Waste Management Policy: Every salon should have a written waste management policy that outlines its procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of waste. This policy should be readily accessible to all staff.
- Staff Training: All salon staff should be trained on how to properly handle and dispose of different types of salon waste. Regular refresher training is also recommended and outsourcing may be needed for particular types of waste collections.
Extra tips for salon waste disposal
Businesses in the UK, regardless of industry, have a “Duty of Care” regarding their waste. This means you are always legally responsible for your waste from the moment it is produced until the time that it is finally disposed of. It is up to you to ensure that your waste is handled, stored, and transported safely and legally, and that it is disposed of by a licensed waste disposal company where necessary.
Staying Compliant
The key legislation governing waste disposal in the UK is the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations. It’s crucial to stay up-to-date with these regulations to ensure your salon is compliant. The Environment Agency provides guidance on waste management for businesses. Always check with your local council for any specific local regulations that may apply.
Be aware of the cost of waste disposal
Be aware that hazardous waste disposal will involve costs. Get quotes from licensed waste disposal companies to budget appropriately. Proper waste management is an investment in your business and the environment.
Salon Hygiene and Waste
As we have mentioned before, the beauty business is booming, and you need to do all that you can to set yourself above the competition. Proper waste disposal is intrinsically linked to overall salon hygiene, which could be the death knell to any beauty business. A clean and well-maintained salon is essential for client confidence and staff well-being and demonstrating responsible waste management practices can contribute to a positive and professional salon environment, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty and lead to word of mouth extra custom.
Environmental Considerations
Eco friendly business practices are the future in many industries. Customers want it, it is morally the right thing to do, and it may become law in the future so making changes now could benefit you in the long term. As well as ensuring that you have a suitable waste disposal system (improper waste disposal causing significant environmental consequences: including water and soil contamination, harm to wildlife, and pollution) you should also strive to implement sustainable practices in your salon, such as reducing waste, recycling, and using eco-friendly products where possible.
Final thoughts
Managing salon waste effectively might seem daunting, but it’s a vital part of running a responsible and successful business. By following these guidelines, you can ensure you’re complying with the law, protecting the environment, and maintaining a professional image for your salon. Want to outsource your waste disposal? VR Sani-Co are here to help! Contact us today for a quick chat to see what we can do for you and your salon.
