Clinical waste must be divided into separate categories prior to disposal. This is due to the fact that while some waste produced within a clinical setting is infectious, some items do not always fall within this category. Segregating clinical waste helps healthcare facilities keep track of the waste they are producing while minimising the spread of infection or the chances of waste becoming cross-contaminated.
With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about Clinical Non-infectious waste.
What is clinical non-infectious waste?
Clinical Non-infectious waste refers to waste products produced at a clinical facility that have not come into contact with infectious materials or pharmaceutical or chemical substances. It is sometimes referred to as ‘offensive waste’, as while not inherently hazardous, it is unpleasant to deal with. For example, this could include items such as:
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Swabs.
Dressings & bandages.
Nappies & incontinence pads.
Non-contaminated PPE and COVID testing equipment
Sterilised laboratory waste.
Wipes.
Empty Colostomy bags.
Gloves.
Who produces clinical non-infectious waste and why?
Clinical non-infectious waste can be produced in a number of healthcare or care facilities. This is because it is a byproduct of their daily operations. Typically, it is produced within the following facilities:
Doctors surgeries & hospitals. Clinical non-infectious waste is produced here whenever patients receive some kind of treatment. For example, healthcare staff must wear PPE during consultations and change this in between each patient.
Care homes. Care homes produce large volumes of clinical non-infectious waste when catering to the needs of their residents. For example, this could include used incontinence pads.
Nurseries & childcare facilities. As many parents can attest – children and babies are responsible for producing a large amount of waste that would classify as offensive. As such, nurseries must put together a plan that enables them to dispose of clinical non-infectious waste such as nappies and pads.
Clinical Non-infectious waste: The Facts.
According to the World Health Organisation, around 85% of the waste generated in clinical or healthcare facilities is general or non-hazardous waste, such as Clinical non-infectious waste.
The disposal of clinical non-infectious waste is controlled by regulations such as the management and disposal of healthcare waste and the environmental protection act.
Clinical non-infectious waste can be disposed of through recycling, incineration or within deep landfills. From these methods, recycling is preferable.
Clinical non-infectious waste bags
How should clinical non-infectious waste be stored?
Business owners must store their clinical non-infectious waste safely and securely before it is collected and prepped for disposal. To put it simply, the waste must be stored in a secure area, where no unauthorised personnel can gain access to it. It should also be stored in the appropriate bins, bags and containers. This could include:
Clinical non-infectious waste bags. Sometimes referred to as ‘tiger bags’, clinical non-infectious waste bags are bright yellow with black stripes. This ensures that you do not accidentally mix these products with other forms of waste. They are highly durable, which reduces the chances of them getting damaged during storage or transit.
Offensive waste wheelie bins. Clinical non-infectious waste bags must also be stored in wheelie bins before collection. They are available in a wide range of sizes and can once again be colour-coded.
Employers must ensure that all members of staff know how to separate and dispose of the waste they produce on a daily basis. This can be achieved through training, alongside labelling all waste and putting up signs where appropriate. In addition to putting together a waste management plan, employers must also ensure that:
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Their waste is collected by a licensed carrier, such as Business Waste.
All clinical waste is rendered safe before disposal.
Their waste disposal schemes align with all government guidelines, and that they keep a record of the waste that they dispose of.
Clinical non-infectious waste disposal
How is clinical non-infectious waste disposed of?
Once we have collected your clinical non-infectious waste, there are various ways in which we could begin to dispose of it. Though deep landfilling is a possibility, our commitment to the environment means that we avoid this wherever possible. Instead, we will dispose of your clinical non-infectious waste through recycling or incineration.
When recycled, your clinical non-infectious waste will be taken to a facility where it is sterilised and placed in an autoclave which gently heats and shreds the materials. They are then separated into different subsections, such as plastics ready to be repurposed. Otherwise, we have high-temperature incinerators, which reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees and are used to safely and securely dispose of clinical non-infectious waste.
No matter which method we use, you can rest easy knowing that we have followed all relevant clinical waste guidelines.
How can business waste help?
At BusinessWaste, we’re on hand to guide your organisation through the safe storage, transportation and disposal of all waste produced within your facility – including clinical non-infectious waste. To do this, we will:
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Provide you with a free quote and consultation, working together to curate a unique waste management plan that suits your company.
Provide you with access to free bins and containers.
Put together a waste collection schedule that works for you. For example, we have bases across the country, meaning that we are always on hand to collect your waste and can do so outside of business hours.
No matter how complex your waste collection requirements are, we can help. We can also help you put plans in place to reduce the amount of waste you produce, cut your costs and ensure your business does not have a lasting impact on the environment. Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any more questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
