1. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management Module 2 Waste Types and Disposal Requirements

2. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management What You will Learn in this Section 1.Waste types, and their sources, in healthcare facilities 2.The difference between risk and non-risk waste 3.Waste management obligations for different waste types

3. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management (1) Sources of Healthcare Waste Healthcare facilities produce a wide range of wastes Healthcare risk waste - any waste classified as hazardous/mixed or contaminated with hazardous waste Characteristics of healthcare risk waste: – contains infectious agents – contains toxic or hazardous chemicals or pharmaceuticals – radioactive – contains sharps Approx. 20% of healthcare waste is risk waste depending on the type of facility.

4. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management Health Risks Pathogens in infectious waste can enter the body via: Through a puncture, abrasion or cut in the skin (e.g.: HIV, Hepatitis…). Through the mucous membranes (e.g.: Anthrax, skin infections…) By inhalation (e.g.: respiratory infections…) By ingestion (e.g.: Gastroenteric infections….) Managing Risk Protective clothing Hand washing and disinfection Protection of water bodies Vaccinations for waste handlers (e.g. Hepatitis, tetanus)

5. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management (3) Healthcare Risk and Non-Risk Waste The Dept of Health published Guidelines for dealing with waste in 2010 – Encourages source segregation techniques – A system of colour coded bins and bags is in place for each of the different types of healthcare risk waste – Only risk waste of the correct type should be placed into the appropriate bin so that the waste can be sent for the correct method of treatment

6. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management 2 / 3 fill bags To Fill line containers

7. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management (4) Waste Management Processes and Techniques Available Reduce, reuse, recycle, where possible – Which wastes produced in HSE are suitable for recycling? Colour-coding of bins & good segregation Additional recycling bins? Information & signage

8. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management Waste Management Strategies - Recycling What can be recycled?  Cardboard; Office paper; News/Mags  Food waste  Textiles  Plastics  Glass  Aluminium  Wood  Metal from old equipment/furniture  Construction & Demolition Waste  Electrical/ Electronic Equipment e.g. ICT equipment

9. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management Does recycling make financial sense? 2008-’09 Figures from HSE Waste Steering Committee: Indicative cost per tonne Yellow bag/ bins € 900 Yellow Bins w/ purple or Black Lids € 2,048 Black bags € 130 - € 250 Recyclables € 70 - € 98

10. Module 2: Waste Types and Disposal Requirements Practical Healthcare Waste Management End of Module 2