Household clinical waste collection
What is Clinical waste
The definition of clinical waste as described in The Controlled Waste Regulations 1992 can be summarised as "any waste which unless rendered safe may prove hazardous or may cause infection to any person coming into contact with it". Clinical wastes should be segregated from other wastes and treated and disposed of appropriately on the basis of the hazard it poses. Offensive/Hygiene wastes which are difficult to handle are also often referred to as clinical waste.
The Service
East Northamptonshire Council currently provides a confidential clinical waste service in partnership with our contractors Cory Environmental Municipal Services. All containers; either plastic sacks or rigid 5 liitre sharps pots are provided by the Council. The plastic sacks are colour coded depending on the type of waste to be placed in them. Customers receive new supplies after each collection. There is no charge made to domestic premises for the collection and disposal of clinical waste.
What types of clinical waste can be collected
- Infectious Waste to be incinerated. This is classified as waste whose collection and disposal is subject to special requirements in order to prevent infection. Examples of this type of waste include; waste from infectious disease cases, waste from wound infections and other acquired infections, human hygiene products from infectious cases and all related soiled surgical dressings, swabs and other similar waste.
- Sharps to be incinerated. Sharps are items that could cause cuts or puncture wounds, including needles, syringes with needles attached, scalpel and other blades.
- Offensive/Hygiene Waste to be landfilled. This waste is non-infectious, but may cause offence to those coming into contact with it. Examples of this type of waste include; incontinence pads, nappies and other sanitary waste produced from human hygiene and disposable equipment including bedding, gowns and plaster casts.
When will my clinical waste be collected
The service is provided to domestic customers on a request basis only. Infectious Wastes and Sharps to be incinerated are collected on a Tuesday of each week and Offensive/Hygiene Wastes are collected on a Wednesday of each week.
How often are collections provided
Collections can be made on a weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or as requested basis.