Understanding Waste Management / Segregation

We are all aware of the impact our waste is having on our environment and the world we call home which is why it is especially important we make waste segregation a top priority when deciding how to dispose of different waste materials.

Waste segregation is the process of separating your waste into specific categories, it is your companies responsibility to divide your waste into the correct categories but we are here to guide you and help you make the right decisions. Categories will fall under a certain colour code to make segregation easier and more economical.

CLINICAL WASTE – THE ORANGE WASTE STREAM

This is potentially infectious waste there is a possibility this can cause harm if the correct disposal procedures are not in place. Typically this waste will consist of items that have potentially come into contact with an infection or disease which is hazardous to human health. This waste can be treated through disinfection and decontamination at certified and permitted treatment sites.

Items which can be classed as clinical waste include: medical gowns, contaminated gloves & aprons, dressings, sharps.

Storage of clinical waste consists of: orange clinical bags, orange- lidded sharps containers, orange-lidded medical containers.

HAZARDOUS WASTE – THE YELLOW WASTE STREAM

This waste is classed as highly infectious and needs to be treated with complete care and diligence, if this were to come into contact with a person it has the high potential to spread disease or illness. This waste in most cases will have come into contact with medication or chemicals meaning it poses a high risk to the general public if not disposed of correctly. The correct treatment of this waste is through incineration only.

Items which can be classed as hazardous waste include: contaminated gowns & bedding, contaminated gloves & aprons, sharps, infected PPE.

Storage of hazardous waste consists of: yellow hazardous bags, yellow-lidded sharps containers, yellow sealed medical units.

OFFENSIVE WASTE – THE TIGER WASTE STREAM

This waste is classed as non-infectious but can cause offence or discomfort if not dealt with appropriately. This waste must be segregated from general waste to keep in line with environmental legislation and to avoid upset within your community.

Items which can be classed as offensive waste include: uncontaminated gloves & gowns, nappies, incontinence pads, colostomy bags.

Storage of offensive waste consists of: tiger offensive bags.

PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE – THE BLUE WASTE STREAM

This waste consists of medication that is either out of date, damaged, unused or no longer needed. To protect the general public from contamination, it is important to segregate this waste from all other waste streams. All controlled drugs are to be denatured before incineration can take place, this will prevent possible reuse or resale.

Storage of pharmaceutical waste consists of: blue-lidded containers, denaturing kits.

How we can help…

Our waste experts are here to help you every step of the way, from understanding the policy’s and procedures required by law to guiding your staff on waste handing and segregation within your business. We believe these important areas of knowledge can take a while to completely understand which is why we will be here to help you in every way we can.

Phoenix Environmental can offer your business essential waste management training, please contact us to find out more.