Clinical waste management

Clinical waste management is a central component to infection prevention and control (IPC) practice across the UK and Ireland, with effective implementation of waste management being critical to a functioning healthcare system. Healthcare organisations have a duty of care to provide a safe service that correctly manages potentially hazardous clinical waste for the safety of both staff and patients. Key guidance for best practice clinical waste management in the National Health Service (NHS) is outlined in the 'UK: Health Technical Memorandum 07-01: Safe and sustainable management of healthcare waste' and aligns with the NHS clinical waste strategy published in March 2023. Significant barriers to the successful implementation of these guidelines in the healthcare setting are often encountered. The infection prevention specialist plays an essential role in the education of healthcare staff to ensure the guidelines are adhered to at a practical level and to provide understanding of the waste management hierarchy. It is important to involve all key stakeholders to ensure the best chance of a positive outcome. Hospital management is responsible for ensuring there is a clear waste management policy and ensuring the engagement of competent, certified waste contractors. The IPC team members are key stakeholders with responsibility for setting and implementing standards on how waste is segregated to prevent infection spread. The hospital's Green Committee should also be involved to support delivery of a service with sustainability and costs to the forefront, in accordance with the 'Net Zero Carbon' targets.