So then, why is Clinical Waste Collection such an important requirement? What exactly is clinical waste? Clinical waste is waste that requires special means of disposal to render it safe. It can be generated by a broad range of activities, from hospitals and GP surgeries to universities and research laboratories, nursing homes and dentists or veterinary surgeries. Clinical waste comes in many forms. It can include syringes and needles, out-of-date medicines, incontinence pads, medical gowns (PPE), dressings, oxygen masks sanitary waste, x-rays and even mercury.

Why is it so important to have the correct regulations and collections of clinical waste? Put simply, it is to keep people, animals and the environment safe. Special treatment is required because of clinical waste’s potential to infect or harm us. Accordingly, there are strict regulations for the collection and disposal of clinical waste. Not all clinical waste is the same, it is divided into different types, depending on the nature of the waste. For example, it is really important to separate highly-infectious, infectious and non-infectious waste. Infectious waste is sent to our Alternative Treatment facility where it is rendered safe through a unique steam treating process, whereas offensive waste can be sent to our Energy from Waste facilities, ensuring zero waste to landfill and generating renewable electricity for export to the National Grid. The second process is a more cost-effective alternative, so clinical waste customers really benefit from understanding the importance of segregation.

Why Is Using A Professional Waste Collection Service Beneficial? The challenges of staying compliant with all the necessary legislation are numerous and time-consuming. Working with a reputable and expert clinical waste management team of professionals ensures absolute compliance and can also help you achieve environmental goals, such as diverting waste away from landfill and reducing your carbon footprint. Now who does not want to be a part of the earth a little greener. Clinical waste bins and sacks will vary depending on the different types of waste they are designed to contain. All reputable services will offer UN certified containers, bins and sacks that are color coded and clearly labelled to help staff understand which items should be disposed of in each one. It can be very confusing for a new employee so a professional service will try to make it as simple as possible. A professional service will also provide the necessary reporting data and certification to be able to prove correct compliance and full traceability and security. They will keep accurate records and they will find their customers really benefit from being able to see where improvements, such as increased recycling and reduced carbon footprint, have been achieved. Relying on a professional service will relieve you and your company of any stresses and strains that could be caused by the regulations and legalities, they will really help all employees understand the importance of clinical waste disposal and will educate on the reasons for ensuring disposal of clinical waste is done with high levels of care.