Nursing and Care Home Waste Management
Essential Nursing and Care Homes Waste Disposal Guidelines for UK Settings
Waste Management in Nursing and Care Homes
Safe and sustainable Healthcare & Clinical Waste disposal
In the realm of healthcare, waste management is not just a matter of tidiness, it’s a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being of residents, staff, and the environment. In nursing and care homes, where the welfare of vulnerable individuals is paramount, adopting environmentally considerate waste management practices is not just desirable; it’s a duty.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) mandates that nursing and care homes maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. This includes effective waste management practices to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and staff. Regular inspections assess compliance with these standards, emphasizing the importance of proper waste disposal in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
* Free bins & delivery (No bin rental charges) * Inclusive of all Duty of Care documentation * Flexible contracts
Hazardous and Infectious Waste Disposal – Our health support professionals produce infectious and hazardous waste in their daily practice which must be disposed of safely and in compliance with regulations. This must be evidenced through the Waste Transfer Process.
Due to the nature of the processes involved, infectious waste is more expensive to dispose of than regular waste. Good practice therefore is to promote effective waste segregation policies and provide approved waste bins. These bins should display the clear benefits of disposing of waste properly on them for the user to see. They must be collected and disposed of by a registered waste carrier and have a full audit trail available for inspection.
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It is estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that almost 15% of clinical waste produced could be considered as hazardous – that it may be infectious, toxic or radioactive. This hazardous and infectious waste requires specific treatments to ensure that it is disposed of securely – in most cases this is via incineration, but can also include steam sterilisation in an autoclave.
Understanding the Types of Waste Produced in Nursing Homes
What are the types of Waste produced and how should they be managed?
General Waste:
General waste in nursing and care homes encompasses everyday refuse such as food packaging, paper towels, and non-recyclable plastics. While seemingly innocuous, proper segmentation and disposal is essential to prevent contamination and ensure efficient waste management. It will save your Home money as well as helping to save our planet.
Clinical Waste:
Clinical waste includes materials contaminated with bodily fluids or potentially infectious substances. This category encompasses used dressings, disposable medical equipment, and soiled linens. In the UK, clinical waste is subject to stringent regulations outlined in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and Health and Safety (Waste) Regulations.
Offensive Waste:
Offensive waste, often overlooked, includes items such as incontinence pads and other hygiene products. While not hazardous, these items can emit unpleasant odours and pose challenges for disposal. Proper segregation and containment are necessary to maintain hygiene standards and prevent discomfort.
Hazardous Waste:
Hazardous waste in nursing and care homes includes pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and certain medical devices. These substances pose a risk to human health and the environment if not managed correctly. The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) provides codes for classifying hazardous waste, facilitating proper disposal and documentation.
Here at Green Circle Direct our network of expert service providers are all registered waste carriers with decades of experience in effective and safe clinical and hazardous waste disposal.
In addition they have been selected due to their sustainability credentials – committed to zero to landfill, focusing on resource recovery, endeavouring to provide sound ecological solutions to waste disposal – with almost all waste processed either being recycled (where non-hazardous or non-infectious) or taken to Energy from Waste (EfW) plants.
Our healthcare and clinical waste management contracts offer competitive, fair rates with a compliant and safe service – with no hidden costs guaranteed.
We offer flexible payment plans – ranging from a non-commitment short term plan for those starting out or not quite sure of the future, to a very attractive advance plan with substantial discounts as a thank you for the commitment – the choice is yours
We provide and service all of the legally required waste receptacles (bins to you and me!) as required to dispose of all of your waste. We also offer for sale bins from sustainably sourced manufacturers and associated accessories. Regardless of how much waste you have, a service can be arranged with a suitable, convenient collection schedule.
Our innovative and completely digital service can give you a no obligation quote for our waste disposal services instantly
Your Legal Obligations
Nursing and Care Home Waste Collection Services – All types of Bins and Bags
By adopting environmentally considerate practices, such as proper waste segregation, recycling initiatives, and energy efficiency measures, care facilities can reduce their ecological footprint while safeguarding the well-being of all stakeholders. Embracing sustainability isn’t just a choice; it’s a commitment to a brighter, greener future for all.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that infectious waste is defined as “waste contaminated with blood and other bodily fluids (e.g. from discarded diagnostic samples), cultures and stocks of infectious agents from laboratory work (e.g. waste from autopsies and infected animals from laboratories), or waste from patients in isolation wards and equipment (e.g. swabs, bandages and disposable medical devices).” World Health Organisation
The Environmental Protection Act of 1990 legislates that businesses producing clinical waste have a duty of care to manage their waste safely and responsibly. They are legally obliged to register with the Environmental Agency, ensuring their waste disposal is provided by reputable and accredited waste carriers – evidenced through signed consignment notes.
The service provision from Green Circle Direct keeps you compliant – providing the obligatory consignment note and waste declaration form every time a collection is made – all downloadable from your digital account at a moment’s notice – vital for any inspection.
In 2005, the government published the Hazardous Waste Regulations, changing the way in which hazardous waste including needles and pharmaceuticals must be disposed of. Due to the potential risk that hazardous waste poses to both the environment and society, it requires disposal within specifically identified (with European Waste Catalogue (EWC) Codes), secure receptacles – preventing injury and the spread of disease.
Our Green Circle Direct partner network has in-depth experience and expertise in the management and disposal of hazardous waste – giving you the peace of mind that all of your waste is disposed of ethically and in accordance with UK legislation. From the right bins to the right documentation we will have you covered and leave you to concentrate on the vital servicing of your very own customers and patients.
Sustainable Waste Disposal. Zero to Landfill.
Safe, compliant & no hidden costs
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Through embracing collaboration, honesty and balance we support businesses evolve and thrive within the human wellbeing sector. With access to a network of trusted ethical and sustainable providers,
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