Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

Module 2 

Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

What You will Learn in this Section

1. Waste types, and their sources, in healthcare facilities

2. The difference between risk and non-risk waste

3. Waste management obligations for different waste types

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

(1) Sources of Healthcare Waste

• Healthcare facilities produce a wide range of wastes

• Healthcare risk waste - any waste classified as hazardous/mixed or contaminated with hazardous waste

• Characteristics of healthcare risk waste:

– contains infectious agents

– contains toxic or hazardous chemicals or pharmaceuticals

– radioactive

– contains sharps

• Approx. 20% of healthcare waste is risk waste depending on the type of facility.

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

Health Risks

Pathogens in infectious waste can enter the body via:• Through a puncture, abrasion

or cut in the skin (e.g.: HIV, Hepatitis…).

• Through the mucous membranes (e.g.: Anthrax, skin infections…)

• By inhalation (e.g.: respiratory infections…)

• By ingestion (e.g.: Gastroenteric infections….)

Managing Risk

• Protective clothing

• Hand washing and disinfection

• Protection of water bodies

• Vaccinations for waste handlers (e.g. Hepatitis, tetanus)

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

(3) Healthcare Risk and Non-Risk Waste

• The Dept of Health published Guidelines for dealing with waste in 2010

– Encourages source segregation techniques

– A system of colour coded bins and bags is in place for each of the different types of healthcare risk waste

– Only risk waste of the correct type should be placed into the appropriate bin so that the waste can be sent for the correct method of treatment

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

• 2/3 fill bags

• To Fill line containers

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

(4) Waste Management Processes and Techniques Available

• Reduce, reuse, recycle, where possible

– Which wastes produced in HSE are suitable for recycling?

• Colour-coding of bins & good segregation

• Additional recycling bins?

• Information & signage

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

Waste Management Strategies - Recycling

What can be recycled? Cardboard; Office paper; News/Mags Food waste Textiles Plastics Glass Aluminium Wood Metal from old equipment/furniture Construction & Demolition Waste Electrical/ Electronic Equipment e.g. ICT equipment

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

Does recycling make financial sense?

2008-’09 Figures from HSE Waste Steering Committee:

Indicative cost per tonne

Yellow bag/ bins € 900

Yellow Bins w/ purple or Black Lids

€ 2,048

Black bags € 130 - € 250

Recyclables € 70 - € 98

Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

End of Module 2