Non-healthcare waste

Check with your local authority which colour coded system is in use.

Store uncontaminated source-segregated recyclates (e.g. newspapers, cans, glass bottles) in bags or boxes to suit the recycling scheme.

Store separately from other waste streams.

Black stream

This stream contains the remaining waste once green stream waste recyclable items have been segregated.

Store general (mixed municipal) waste (e.g. uncontaminated paper towels and wipes, soiled packaging, human hygiene wastes, sanitary towels, nappies) in black bags or suitably labelled and secured cardboard boxes.

NB: Human hygiene wastes, sanitary towels and nappies must not be compacted. Within the NHS, the waste contractor must make these types of waste unrecognisable (usually done by shredding).

Fill black/clear waste bags no more than three quarters full and do not exceed 4kg in weight.

Ensure the bag is sealed securely.

Do not use a healthcare (special) waste ratchet tag to seal black waste bags.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment

Many items of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are treated as non clinical special (hazardous) waste due to the presence of dangerous substances, such as heavy metal batteries. WEEE should be managed by an appropriate authorised contractor and should not be placed in the municipal waste stream. Responsibility for disposal of non-household WEEE depends on whether it was purchased before or after 13 Aug 2005.

Establish whether the practice or the producer is responsible for disposal of the WEEE items.

If responsibility for disposal lies with the practice, follow SEPA waste guidelines [2,3], including completion of a waste transfer note, or consignment note if the WEEE contains hazardous substances and is classed as special waste.

Waste transfer notes must be kept for a minimum of 2 years

Consignment notes for special waste must be kept for a minimum of 3 years.

Non Clinical Special Waste

Waste that contains confidential data e.g. patient information is subject to UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR). 

Confidential waste disposal is a requirements of the Caldicott Requirements. 

Patient records must be retained for a number of years (see Storage of records)

Disposal of non-healthcare waste

Arrange for Black and Green stream waste to be collected by your local authority or a private waste management/recycling contractor.

Ensure a waste transfer note (including the correct European Waste Catalogue code [4] and tonnage of waste) is completed for each uplift, and a consignment note is completed for each uplift of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

• Alternatively, a ‘blanket’ waste transfer note might be provided annually (note that there is usually a charge for this service).
• Contact your Health Board Waste Management Officer if you require any additional information

Keep transfer notes for at least 2 years, and consignment notes for WEEE for 3 years.