RECYCLING CLINICAL WASTE

• Clinical waste is another kind of hazardous waste which needs great attention in disposing.
• Special care should be taken while disposing used needles and syringes.
• Get instructions from doctors or manufacturers on safe disposal of different kinds of medical waste.
• All the medicine containers, once empty could be recycled.
• Most local councils offer a free medical waste collection. It is good to contact your local council to get help on safe disposal of clinical waste.
• Some companies like Medical Waste Solutions Ltd are dedicated to clinical waste treatment schemes.

Due to the nature of clinical waste the opportunities for reduction, reuse or recycling are limited. However, the environmental impacts of clinical waste could be reduced by following these points:

1. Ensure effective segregation of all clinical and non clinical waste.
2. Continually review the collection and disposal method for clinical waste, using the waste hierarchy (e.g. introduction of reusable sharps bins)
3. Launch waste awareness campaigns
4. Continue Duty of Care Waste Audits

The removal of syringes and needles require atmost care. Here are some guidelines for safe removal of syringes and needles.

• Find a suitable container for disposal. Try to get a ridged plastic container with a screw top lid to place the needle or syringe in.
• If you can place something protective over your hand like rubber or thick leather gloves.
• If at all possible, do not touch the needle or syringe, Use something like tweezers or tongs to pick it up.
• If you have to pick the needle up with your hands, or if you are using something like tweezers, pick them up by the blunt end.
• Do not touch the sharp point with your hands.
• Do not put the cap back on or re-sheath.
• Place the sharp end of the needle into the container first.
• You can place more than one needle or syringe into a container, but do not overfill.
• Make sure the container is tightly sealed.
• Do not place the container in the regular waste, down the toilet or drain. Contact the clinical waste removers like Erewash Borough Council for safe removal.
• Wash whatever you have used to handle the items in an antiseptic detergent.