The information available on local authority web pages creates an essential method of communicating waste-related news to residents and others.

A recent update by Cornwall Council (http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=30535) discusses assisted and clinical waste collections on a single page, but under distinctly separate headings.

It is predictable that a higher proportion of those patients requiring clinical waste collections will additionally require assisted collections. This assistance might be provided by a carer, or by the collection authority, but leaving the patient to struggle alone is not an option.

Catching my eye are the default arrangements for presentation of wastes. This updated page identifies that Cornwall requires wastes are presented at the kerbside. That must include also clinical wastes since the Council chooses to place this information in a single consolidated page.

There are many difficulties associated with clinical waste collections from domestic premises. Infirm and often elderly patients create an immediate practical problem. As we have discussed previously on the Clinical Waste Discussion Forum, presentation of wastes by service uses living in flats and maisonettes may be problematic. However much the kerbside might aid efficient pick-up and reduce costs by minimising rounds times, instructing producers to place their clinical wastes on the kerbside can never be acceptable. It can be unsafe, and may breach environmental regulations and Health & Safety legislation.