Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Waste Disposal
Disposing of any cytotoxic and cytostatic waste your business produces must be done safely to protect those handling it and the environment, due to its potentially hazardous nature. As a business, it’s your legal and moral responsibility to ensure any type of cytotoxic waste or cytostatic waste you generate is stored, collected, and disposed of appropriately. Arrange collection and disposal with Business Waste.
Make storage and removal of your cytotoxic and cytostatic waste secure, simple, and stress-free. We can provide your organisation with free cytotoxic and cytostatic waste bins – delivered to any business in the UK, just pay for collection. Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online for a fast quote.
Collections in the last 7 days
Fast, Free Quotation
Get a fast FREE quote for your cytotoxic and cytostatic waste removal
- Free quote within 1 hr
- Any type of cytotoxic and cytostatic waste
- FREE bins and delivery
- We cover all of the UK
Contents
What is cytotoxic
and cytostatic waste?
There are two types of cytotoxic and cytostatic waste:
- Medicinal products that are toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction. These drugs are used to treat cancer or similar conditions. Such waste could include expired or leftover medication in the form of tablets, liquids, and creams. These products are particularly dangerous if not disposed of correctly, as the drugs themselves are designed to either kill cells or inhibit cell growth.
- Contaminated waste. Due to the dangers associated with cytotoxic and cytostatic medication, any items or products that come into contact with the drugs also class as cytotoxic and cytostatic waste. F example, this could be gloves or garments worn by a medical professional to handle such medication.
Cytotoxic and cytostatic
waste examples
Examples of cytotoxic and cytostatic waste include:
- Cytotoxic and cytostatic medication/drugs
- Hormonal medication
- Contaminated gloves and wipes
- Contaminated disposable garments and PPE
- Contaminated sharps (such as needles, syringes, and scalpels)
- Blister packs
- Medicinal vials
- Bandages and patches
- Immunosuppressants
- Some forms of antiviral medication and antibiotics
- Aesthetics waste
Cytotoxic and cytostatic
waste regulations
As cytotoxic and cytostatic waste is potentially hazardous, meaning it could threaten human life and the environment, there are various regulations in place that dictate how it should be disposed of. This includes the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH). It’s a law that requires employers to control substances hazardous to health.
COSHH regulations outline various guidance to follow, so your organisation is compliant with these regulations. Following these when dealing with cytotoxic and cytostatic waste should:
- Reduce the risk of infection spreading (from contaminated products to staff/members of the public).
- Ensure clinical waste is stored separately from general waste, reducing the chances of cross-contamination.
- Prevent illegal use or reuse of the products.
- Ensure that hazardous waste is disposed of correctly, away from landfill.
- Protect the environment.
Who produces
cytotoxic and cytostatic waste?
Cytotoxic and cytostatic waste is produced by many different facilities across the UK. Understandably, most of these operate within the healthcare industry where such medication is administered daily. Some of the main types of organisations that generate this waste type and require cytotoxic and cytostatic waste disposal can include:
-
Laboratories
Some laboratories produce or trial cytotoxic and cytostatic medication before it becomes available to the public. The development and testing of new cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines used in chemotherapy or to treat cancer can create waste products.
-
Pharmacies
Many pharmacies also test as well as distribute such medications daily. Waste can also include expired medication that’s unsafe to sell and therefore must be disposed of properly.
-
Hospitals
Doctors’ surgeries and hospitals are a prime producer of cytotoxic and cytostatic waste, as it’s where most conditions are treated and medicines distributed daily.
-
Vets
Some vets use cytotoxic or cytostatic medication as part of their treatment plans. For example, they can also be used to cure cancers in animals.
-
Care homes
In care homes where residents receive regular medical treatment for cancer and other conditions, any contaminated items or expired medication creates waste.
-
Beauty salons
Botox injections and the waste they create such as syringes and unused botulinum toxin injections are common types of cytotoxic and cytostatic waste beauty salons produce.
How does cytotoxic and
cytostatic waste collection work?
-
Select your free bins
It’s quick and easy to organise commercial waste collection for your business.
Simply start by telling us the:
- Type of waste you need removing
- Size of bins you require
- Number of bins you want
We’ll provide you with a free quote.
-
Arrange delivery
When you’re happy with the type, number, and size of free bins, tell us when you need your bins delivering.
Let us know about any access issues where you want the bins delivering – such as locked gates, access codes and times. We’ll get you up and running in no time.
-
Fill up your bin
After the free bins arrive at your chosen location, fill them up with the agreed waste type.
Make sure you remain within any weight limits for the specific waste type and bin size.
-
Get your business waste collected
We’ll arrange waste collection at a time and frequency to suit you and the amount of waste you have.
As featured in…
How to store
cytotoxic and cytostatic waste
You must ensure all cytotoxic and cytostatic waste is stored safely and securely on your premises before collection. This helps reduce cross-contamination and keeps your employees and the general public safe. It should be kept in a purple cytotoxic and cytostatic waste bag or purple lidded clinical waste bin.
These are designed to specifically store cytotoxic and cytostatic waste, which makes it simple to separate different types of clinical waste if your organisation produces a variety. Keep these bags and bins in a secure, dry place before collection to prevent contamination from the likes of rainwater and prevent unauthorised persons accessing and being exposed to this potentially hazardous waste.
To store cytotoxic and cytostatic waste safely and appropriately, business owners should:
- Make all employees aware of the dangers associated with cytotoxic and cytostatic waste.
- Put together a dedicated waste management plan.
- Ensure all waste is segregated correctly and stored in the appropriate bags, bins, and containers.
- Put necessary security measures in place so cytotoxic and cytostatic waste is stored in a secure environment, such as a gated area.
- Clearly label all waste before collection.
How is cytotoxic and
cytostatic waste disposed of?
Due to the hazardous nature and dangers associated with cytotoxic and cytostatic waste, the main way it’s disposed of is through incineration. After collection and transportation to a relevant facility, your cytotoxic and cytostatic waste will be placed in a high-temperature incinerator. Temperatures can reach up to 1100°C to destroy this hazardous waste type.
In some cases, the cytotoxic waste disposal procedure may involve chemical degradation. This is only possible for the actual cytotoxic and cytostatic medications, as it’s where the chemical substances are broken down. It’s a much rarer disposal method and will only be used if experts at the relevant facility believe it best.
Cytotoxic and cytostatic waste should never end up in landfill, as it can contaminate other waste and pollute the surrounding soil and waters. With Business Waste, you can rest easy knowing we never send cytotoxic and cytostatic waste to landfill. We do everything in our power to reduce the environmental impact our practices have to help you keep the planet clean and manage your waste.
Cytotoxic and cytostatic
waste collection
At Business Waste, we can put together a waste collection plan that works for you and adapts to your schedule. Arrange collection of your cytotoxic and cytostatic waste on a daily, weekly, or fortnightly basis. Every business is unique, so choose a schedule that suits the amount you produce.
Whenever we collect hazardous waste, we’ll help you deal with the necessary paperwork too. For example, we’ll ensure you know how to complete a waste transfer note. Rest assured that the collection and disposal of such waste is done in a safe and legal manner, compliant with all relevant regulations.
We’ll deliver free bins and bags to your premises for you to fill within their weight limits. You just pay for collection and leave them in an agreed and accessible place for quick and easy removal. Order one or more bags and bins to suit the amount of waste you generate.
Get a free quote for cytotoxic and cytostatic waste collection and disposal. Simply call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online. Wherever your business is based in the UK and whatever industry you operate in, we’ll find a solution to safely get rid of your waste with ease.
Read our reviews
James was very helpful and to be honest since starting with this company the service has been excellent.Christeen Norfolk
Cytotoxic and cytostatic
waste bags and bins
There are various cytotoxic and cytostatic waste bags and bins you can use to store such hazardous waste. Most of these are purple waste bags or clinical waste bins with a purple lid. It’s important you use these to separate clinical waste types for safe storage that avoids any cross-contamination.
Find a cytotoxic waste bag or cytostatic waste bin right for your business.
-
Cytotoxic and cytostatic purple waste bags
Purple clinical waste bags are the most common and effective way to store cytotoxic and cytostatic waste. You can tie them securely to prevent any spills and as they’re bright purple it also minimises the chance of putting the wrong waste items into such bags.
-
Wheelie bins
Cytotoxic and cytostatic waste bags should be stored in an appropriate container once they’re filled. This can include wheelie bins, which are lockable and easy to transport. They can also be colour coded to reduce the chances of cross-contamination.
-
Sharps bins
Sharps bins should be used to store any sharps that may have come into contact with cytotoxic or cytostatic waste products. This includes needles, syringes, scalpels, and lancets. Cytotoxic and cytostatic sharps bins are yellow with a purple lid.
Cytotoxic and cytostatic
waste FAQs
-
Who uses cytotoxic and cytostatic waste products?
The main products that make up cytotoxic and cytostatic waste are likely handled by those who work within the healthcare industry. This means people who may regularly handle cytotoxic and cytostatic waste products can include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Clinicians
- Laboratory workers
- Pharmacists
- Vets
- Healthcare specialists
- Carers
The products are also used by those receiving medical treatment, either as an inpatient or within their own homes.
-
What does cytotoxic mean?
Cytotoxic means a substance that is toxic to cells and kills them. They can prevent cancer cells from dividing and help tumours shrink by killing such cells. Their genotoxic properties mean that cytotoxic medication is often used within chemotherapy treatment.
-
Is cytostatic the same as cytotoxic?
No, even though cytostatic and cytotoxic are often used together and interchangeably, there are subtle differences. Cytostatic medications inhibit cell growth and division, while cytotoxic medication is toxic to cells – as their name suggests. While cytostatic medicines work to prevent cancer cell growth, cytotoxic medication simply kills the cancerous cells. However, when it comes to waste, due to their similarities they can both be disposed of together.
-
What happens if you touch cytotoxic drugs?
If you touch cytotoxic medication and expose healthy skin cells to it, this can damage regular cellular division. In the short term it may just cause a rash, while long term effects can be more serious. Therefore, healthcare workers wear protective equipment such as gloves when handling cytotoxic waste.
-
What is the symbol for cytotoxic waste?
The symbol used on cytotoxic and cytostatic waste bins and bags is a triangle with the letter C inside. This identifies the waste as hazardous. It should normally be present on any purple clinical waste bags or purple-lidded sharps bins.
Get a fast, free quote for cytotoxic and cytostatic waste removal
Get a fast FREE quote for your cytotoxic and cytostatic waste
- Free quote within 1 hr
- Any type of cytotoxic and cytostatic waste
- FREE bins and delivery
- We cover all of the UK