CHW199-Clinical and Hygiene Products Waste Policy
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{{org_field_name}}
Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Clinical and Hygiene Products Waste Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all clinical and hygiene waste generated at {{org_field_name}} is managed in a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible manner. This includes the segregation, storage, handling, collection, and disposal of waste such as dressings, incontinence pads, sharps, bodily fluids, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other hygiene products. The policy is in line with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012, Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 07-01, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) expectations. Our goal is to protect the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors, prevent cross-contamination or infection, and maintain environmental sustainability and legal compliance.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff working at {{org_field_name}}, including care staff, nursing staff, domestic staff, maintenance personnel, and external contractors involved in waste disposal. It applies to all areas of the service where clinical and hygiene waste is generated, including resident rooms, bathrooms, treatment rooms, sluice areas, kitchens, laundry facilities, and external waste storage areas.
3. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CHW20 – Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures
CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses Policy
4. Policy Statement and Implementation
A. Classification of Clinical and Hygiene Waste
Waste generated at {{org_field_name}} is classified into different categories to ensure correct handling and disposal. These include:
- Clinical waste (orange bags): waste arising from healthcare procedures that may pose a risk of infection, including soiled dressings, wound care materials, and bodily fluid-contaminated items
- Offensive/hygiene waste (yellow bags with black stripes, also known as tiger bags): non-infectious waste such as incontinence pads, sanitary products, and disposable bed pads
- Sharps waste (yellow-lidded bins): needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp instruments
- Medicinal waste: unused, out-of-date, or waste medication returned to the pharmacy in accordance with CHW11
Correct categorisation is essential to ensure safe disposal and compliance with environmental regulations.
B. Segregation and Collection at Point of Use
Staff are trained to segregate waste immediately at the point of use into the correct container or bag. All waste bins are colour-coded, labelled, and fitted with foot-operated lids where appropriate to prevent hand contact and contamination. Clinical waste bags are not overfilled and are securely tied before removal. Sharps must be disposed of directly into designated sharps containers which are never overfilled beyond the fill line. Waste bins are never used for general refuse or mixed waste types. Waste is collected from resident areas daily or sooner if necessary, and transported using designated trolleys that are cleaned and disinfected after each use.
C. Storage of Clinical Waste
Bagged waste and sharps containers are transferred to the secure clinical waste holding area, which is locked, well-ventilated, and accessible only to authorised personnel. Waste must not be stored in corridors, bathrooms, or unsecure areas. Clinical waste must be collected by licensed waste carriers and not stored on site for longer than the maximum period permitted (usually 7 days). External storage areas are checked daily for cleanliness, security, and signs of pest activity.
D. Sharps Safety and Disposal
Staff are trained in the safe use and disposal of sharps. Needles must never be re-sheathed. Sharps bins are assembled correctly, labelled with the date and the name of the person who started the bin, and locked when three-quarters full. Bins are disposed of using an approved hazardous waste disposal service. Any sharps injuries or near misses are reported immediately under CHW24, and the affected individual is supported with access to occupational health services.
E. Infection Control Measures
All waste handling is conducted using standard infection control precautions in accordance with CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy. Staff wear appropriate PPE (gloves, aprons, masks if required) and perform hand hygiene before and after handling waste. Waste bins and containers are cleaned regularly using approved disinfectants. Spillages are dealt with promptly using appropriate kits and logged. Staff are reminded that improper disposal practices can pose serious risks to infection control and resident safety.
F. Waste Disposal Contracts and Legal Compliance
{{org_field_name}} contracts only with licensed waste disposal companies registered with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) and Consignment Notes for hazardous waste are obtained and retained for a minimum of three years. Contractors must provide evidence of compliance, insurance, and training. Collection schedules are monitored to ensure timely removal, and any issues with waste collection are reported and resolved promptly. We comply with all duty of care requirements under waste legislation and review our waste management contracts annually.
G. Staff Training and Awareness
All staff receive mandatory training on clinical and hygiene waste management during induction and annually thereafter. This includes correct segregation, infection control, sharps safety, spill management, and incident reporting. Visual guides and colour-coded posters are displayed in all relevant areas to reinforce correct practices. The Infection Control Lead, {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}, monitors compliance through audits, observations, and refresher training as needed.
H. Auditing, Monitoring, and Continuous Improvement
The Registered Manager and Infection Control Lead carry out regular audits on waste segregation, storage, cleanliness, and compliance with procedures. Audit outcomes are documented and discussed in health and safety meetings. Any non-compliance is addressed through corrective action plans and follow-up training. Trends in waste incidents, injuries, or complaints are analysed as part of our Quality of Care Review and reported to CIW if required. Continuous improvement is driven by audit feedback, changes in legislation, and innovations in waste management practices.
5. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if required by changes in environmental regulations, waste classifications, CIW guidance, or internal incident investigations. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of this policy and ensuring that staff remain informed and compliant with its requirements.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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