Management of healthcare waste
The management of healthcare waste is an essential part of ensuring that health and social care activities do not pose a risk of infection. To manage healthcare waste effectively, health and social care providers will need to consider:
- Infection control and health and safety legislation;
- Environment and waste legislation; and,
- Transport legislation.
The Department of Health has published revised guidance on the Safe management of healthcare waste. This details the legislative and practical requirements of managing the waste.
Particular attention should be given to:
- Managing the waste and ensuring compliance
- Types / classification of waste and how it should be safely stored
- Transportation of waste
It includes guidance for different health and social care sectors such as ambulance services, research laboratories, community healthcare, community pharmacies, general practices and health centres and dental practices.