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What is clinical waste?

Collection and disposal of clinical waste as identified in by central government in Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste (Health Services Advisory Committee 1999). This includes items such as surgical waste, used syringes, drugs and pharmaceuticals.

This includes:

  • Human or animal tissue,
  • Blood or bodily fluids,
  • Excretions,
  • Drugs or other pharmaceutical products,
  • Swabs or dressings,
  • Syringes, needles or other sharp instruments,
  • Any other waste which may cause infection to any person coming into contact with it.

What about clinical waste produced in a household?

  • If patients are treated at home by a community nurse or member of the NHS, all waste produced as a result (syringes) is considered to be the healthcare professional’s waste and they should take it way with them.
  • If the waste is non-hazardous, and so long as it is bagged and sealed properly, it is ok for it to be disposed of with the household rubbish If patients treat themselves at home, any waste produced as a result is considered to be their own.
  • Only when a specific threat has been identified is the waste considered as hazardous clinical waste, for example syringes and materials containing blood/tissue are classed as hazardous. In these cases the local authority is obliged to collect it separately from the household waste when requested to do so by the waste holder. In the case of medicines, all unused medication should be returned to the nearest chemist for disposal.
  • If you are worried about the amount of clinical waste you are producing and need some extra advice please call us.

For further information or to send us your comments either call StreetScene on 606 2004, email streetscene@wirral.gov.uk or click on the "Request Service" button

 

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