Basildon Hospital is under investigation for failing to properly dispose of potentially hazardous medical waste, including used syringes. The Environment Agency are ‘probing’ how syringes and other equipment used to drain […]
We are becoming accustomed to re-usable sharps containers, not least because of the bullish advertising of their sole manufacturer. But now, there might be a new kid on the block. […]
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer have offered a drug disposal guide but for registered customers only. Pfizer is the first pharmaceutical company to make this resource available to health care professionals to […]
The selection of colour coding for clinical waste containers, dictated by the notional properties of those wastes and in particular the risk of infection – yellow or orange – is rather […]
We have an enquiry, by email, from an NHS Clinical Waste Discussion Group visitor: Does anyone know of any NHS or other medical facilities who are using the SteriMed/SteriMed […]
In his excellent publication Hospital Waste, volume 14/3, Alan B Jones writes from the US perspective of the disposal of the various wrappers, vials & containers that had previously contained […]
“A young woman stole a sharps box from Hackettstown Regional Medical Center and removed needles and medications from it, police said. “On Aug 24 at about 4:53 am police were […]
The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) has finalized an agreement with Stanford University Medical Center to begin a six-month pilot study to develop a better understanding of plastic waste characterization within healthcare facilities. […]
Last updated: Thursday, August 9, 2012
Needlestick injuries may carry devastating consequences, even is seroconversion does not occur. Needle-related injury is the first and most obvious concern though latterly the term ‘sharps injury’ has been introduced to widen […]
Norovirus outbreaks continue to be a major seasonal problem and cause huge disruption to care services with substantial morbidity and mortality. What to do with Norovirus waste? Much waste will be destined for the toilet […]
The Environment Agency has issued an example hospital waste audit plan and report format. There is no requirement to use this particular format but it is expected to demonstrate an effective approach to conducting this […]
Packaging Today reports that UK-based Cromwell Polythene is relaunching its clinical waste sacks range, using ‘star seal’ technology to maximise carrying capacity, while optimising leak resistance. The range makes use of […]
LB Barnet have been working hard to update their clinical waste information for community producers. Their recently published GN 5 – Guidance Notes for Storage and Disposal of Clinical Waste explains the […]
News of another pilot program to recycle hospital gloves and non-woven polypropylene gowns, garments and disposable curtains, this time in the US. These initiatives are worthy of support though presently […]
We hear almost weekly of the strange, dangerous and inappropriate items that turn up on the picking lines of the recycling hall. Of greatest concern are sharps which can bring […]
It is becoming increasingly common to downplay or overlook completely the possibility of bloodborne virus infection after sharps injury or other blood or bloodstained body fluid exposure. The low incidence of […]
In a remarkably no-news item appearing in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, an elderly pensioner complains that he unexpectedly received a bright yellow clinical waste bin and four ‘huge bags’ delivered to […]
I had the misfortune of a hospital appointment yesterday, for a series of tests that too place in a modest sized room equipped with an examination couch and a whole […]
Sadly, many babies are stillborn or die at or shortly after birth. Worldwide, abortion including late abortion is a common therapeutic and/or ‘social’ procedure, the remains of which must be disposed […]
A Fife recycling plant was brought to a standstill when a sharps bin was found on the picking line. Of course, that should not happen, and those involved are right to […]
The National Clinical Guideline Centre has released its latest and probably last draft of its document “Infection: prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in primary and community care” for pre-publication […]
“Two bin men have been seriously injured by broken glass discarded in the rubbish. “One suffered a one-and-a-half inch gash to his arm from a broken bottle sticking out of […]
“Scripps Health and Sharp Memorial Hospital have settled separate civil lawsuits with the county District Attorney’s Office for improperly disposing medical and hazardous wastes, including human blood and tissue, in […]
The Johns Hopkins University Hospital has saved $100,000 over a number of months by reducing its medical waste by 16 percent and by putting it in the correct containers. “Red […]
On the Clinical Waste Discussion Forum we have previously commented on the fate of rag pickers and other scavengers salvaging items from untreated medical waste and facilitating is repackaging for […]
Ashfield District Council has upset at least one resident by ‘dumping’ clinical waste collections from most households. Over the last five years, one 43 year old resident who spends nine […]
Advertising flimflam is usually quite obvious. Bold and exaggerated claims and highly selective quotes clipped out of context are usually easy to spot. The law says much about the use […]
Who provides advice and support to producers for aspects of clinical waste management? There are always many questions, and access to information can be troublesome. Who to ask? A waste […]
Tissue waste disposal is a sometimes difficult issue, since patients may have their own view on disposal, perhaps of an amputated limb, or of a placenta, than do healthcare professionals. Last […]