Clinical waste

The main dangers from clinical waste arise as a result of pathogens and sharps. Good management of clinical waste should therefore focus on ensuring its correct handling and storage in order to minimise the risk of exposure to these factors.

Procedures for the handling and movement of clinical waste should exist within FHE institutions as part of general health and safety procedures.

Any waste falling within the definition of clinical waste should be bagged in yellow bags marked Clinical Waste and securely fastened.
Sharps (e.g. needles, scalpel blades (regardless of source)) should be placed in appropriate sharps bins.
Clinical waste awaiting collection should be held in a designated locked container.

Some opportunities for minimising quantities of clinical waste exist through:
Decreased use of disposable items where re-usable alternatives and sterilisation are feasible
Careful categorisation and segregation of waste to ensure the minimum mixing of household and clinical waste.

For some HE institutions producing larger quantities of clinical waste (e.g. associated with medical, dentistry or veterinary studies) some pre-treatment options may be feasible in order to reduce the quantities of waste classified as clinical or reduce the associated hazard.

Some clinical waste may be classified as Hazardous/Special waste due to its particular properties. In such instances, clinical waste must be managed in line with the requirements for hazardous waste. LINK to legislation on hazardous waste.

In addition, some clinical waste may be classified as Radioactive waste. Again, if this is the case, the waste should be managed in line with the requirements for Radioactive waste. LINK to radioactive waste legislation.

Information on the management of clinical waste can be found at www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/Wasteguide/mn_wastetypes_clinical.html

Case study - Segregation of waste streams at the University of Glasgow.

See Legislation

See Definition

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Clinical waste

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