Put together a policy on waste segregation, storage and disposal that includes local practice procedures (Waste Management Policy template) and ensure staff are aware of the policy.
Ensure waste containers that meet requirements are available for all colour-coded segregation systems (Non-healthcare Waste and Healthcare (Special) Waste).
Check with your local NHS board to ensure that all your colour-coded waste containers and labels comply with the latest Health Facilities Scotland guidance.
Where pre-assembled containers are not used, assemble all colour-coded waste-disposal containers correctly before use and ensure the lids are firmly secured into place to reduce the risk of injury during use.
Segregate waste at the point where it is generated and place it into the correct and most appropriate waste containers (see Non-healthcare Waste and Healthcare (Special) Waste).
- NHS Boards and waste contractors might charge a fee for failure to segregate waste correctly, and the enforcing agencies, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), can issue penalties for non-compliance.
Do not overfill colour-coded waste-disposal containers above the specified level.
Take steps to ensure waste under your control does not escape
Store healthcare and other special waste containers securely and away from public access.
Arrange for the uplift of all types of waste, via your local authority (for Black and Green stream waste), NHS Board or private waste management contractor (for Orange, Yellow or Red stream waste). Gypsum waste uplift may require a separate contractor.
Ensure appropriate notes for uplift of waste are completed to indicate that the waste will be disposed of correctly, i.e.
- waste transfer notes for Black and Green stream waste;
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) healthcare (special) waste consignment notes (SWCN) and carrier schedules for Orange, Yellow and Red stream waste.
Keep waste transfer notes (WTN) for at least 2 years for non-healthcare waste and for at least 3 years for healthcare (special) waste, as required under the regulations [1].
Sources of information
- NHSScotland waste management guidance: Part A – best practice overview (Version 6.0) Health Facilities Scotland (2015)
- NHSScotland waste management guidance: Part B – Waste Management Policy Template (Version 6.0) Health Facilities Scotland (2015)
- NHSScotland waste management guidance: Part C Compendium of regulatory requirements (Version 6.0) Health Facilities Scotland (2015)
- NHSScotland waste management guidance: Part D Guidance and example text for waste management (Version 6.0) Health Facilities Scotland (2015)
- NHSScotland Waste Management Guidance SHTN 03-01 (v7) NHS National Services Scotland (2023)
- NHSScotland Waste Management Guidance SHTN 03-01 (v8) NHS National Services Scotland (2024)
- Health and Safety Executive
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) – Special Waste
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) – Special Waste Consignment Notes (SWCN)