Different types of waste will be produced within care homes. 

Some waste may be disposed of through the domestic waste route but other types of waste needs special handling and disposal for example sharps and waste from people who have or may have an infection.

Waste bags in care settings should be colour coded to denote the various categories of waste.

Local procedures and policies on waste disposal should be followed.

Segregation (separating) of waste

• Healthcare (including clinical) waste is produced as a direct result of healthcare activities for example soiled dressings, sharps
• Special (hazardous) waste arises from the delivery of healthcare in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Special waste includes a range of controlled wastes, defined by legislation, which contain dangerous or hazardous substances for example chemicals and pharmaceuticals
• Domestic waste – must be segregated at source into:
  • Dry materials that can be recycled (glass, paper and plastics, metals, cardboard)
  • Residual waste (any other domestic waste that cannot be recycled)

Care home waste disposal may differ from categories described and guidance from local contractors may apply.

Safe management of waste

Care home managers and staff should ensure:

• all waste is correctly segregated according to local regulations
• correct colour coded bags are being used according to local regulations
• there is a dedicated area for storage of clinical waste that is not accessible to residents or the public
• waste is stored in a designated, safe, lockable area whilst awaiting uplift. Uplift schedules should be acceptable to the care area and there should be no build-up of waste receptacles
• there is a schedule for emptying domestic waste bins at the end of the day and during the day if needed

All staff should:

• follow local schedules for emptying domestic waste bins
• always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• dispose of waste immediately as close as possible to where it was produced
• dispose of clinical waste into the correct UN 3291 approved waste bin or sharps container
• ensure that waste bins are never overfilled. Once the waste bin is three quarters full, tie waste bags up and put into the main waste bin
• use a ‘swan neck’ technique for closure of the bag and label with date and location as per local policy
  • a ‘swan neck’ is a way of closing bag by tying in a loop and securing with a zip tie or tape to make a handle
• clean waste bins regularly with a general purpose neutral detergent
• remove PPE and perform hand hygiene when you have finished handling waste

 

Read the safe disposal of waste literature review to find out more about why we do things this way when dealing with waste.