Waste management – do you know the rules?

January 25, 2021

We know that we are all working under very different situations at present, and our normal working lives have been turned upside down. All the various cycles of working that we fall into, our routines – the well-trodden practices  of how we operate, it’s all gone completely out of the window. Every day is constantly changing and we’re constantly changing to stay on top of it. However, waste disposal hasn’t changed, just the volumes.

It has been recognised  that policies and practices have slipped and the normal rules are not being followed within the frame work of waste management.

Whilst it is appreciated there’s more deliveries than usual as departments get new equipment and supplies, and we’re also going through consumables at a highly accelerated rate. As a result of this and people are so busy, inappropriate disposal of both domestic and clinical waste is piling up all around the Trust.

Bags are being left on the floor instead of putting them into bins, cages are being left in corridors full of boxes that have not been flattened, this is not only presenting an infection control risk, but it endangers colleagues who have to pick it up and there also the fire risk element – as you can see below the results in some areas is quite shocking.

The correct  rules of segregation apply even in COVID areas:

• Only healthcare infectious waste should be placed into orange bags ( no packaging)
• PPE in to offensive (Tiger bags)  ( no packaging)
• Domestic waste should be placed in black bags.
• All cardboard should be flattened.

So if you have any general rubbish that needs disposal please make sure it is placed in the correct waste stream to await collection.