Frequently Asked Questions

Incorrect disposal can put staff, cleaners and waste operatives at risk of infection and injury. It can also lead to enforcement action, fines and reputational damage. Using a licensed carrier, segregating waste correctly and keeping up-to-date records helps you meet your duty of care as a waste producer.

Clinical waste is waste produced by healthcare, veterinary and similar activities that may pose a risk of infection or harm. This includes items contaminated with bodily fluids, sharps such as needles and scalpel blades, pharmaceutical waste, and anatomical waste. Because of these risks, clinical waste collection must be carried out by a licensed carrier, with each waste type separated, packaged and transported in line with UK regulations.

Clinical waste collection can include sharps such as needles and blades, dressings and PPE contaminated with body fluids, pharmaceutical and cytotoxic waste, and anatomical waste. Items that are not infectious, such as many uncontaminated gloves and aprons or incontinence products, usually belong in the offensive waste stream. General Waste and Mixed Recycling do not belong in clinical waste. If you are unsure, contact us to help with your Clinical Waste set up.

Clinical Waste must be separated and placed in the correct container for its waste stream, stored securely and collected by a licensed waste carrier like Recorra. Clinical waste must never go in General Waste or Mixed Recycling. Once collected your clinical waste is taken for treatment at specialised facilities. 

How often depends on how much clinical waste you produce, how much secure storage you have, and the type of waste produced. A busy hospital ward may need daily or weekly clinical waste collections, while a small surgery or dental practice may need fortnightly or monthly. Please contact us to talk through the best schedule for you and adjustments as and when changes are needed.