Practice/PHO Logo Here
Waste Management Policy
Issued by PGL as a template to guide the development of practice policies
and procedures. Document owners are responsible for modifying to meet
their particular circumstances.
Policy / Procedure Statement
The practice will ensure all healthcare waste is managed safely through to final
disposal. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure all waste generated is
managed in a manner consistent with NZS4304:202 Management of Healthcare
Waste. Practices should also be aware of and comply with any local body
requirements relating to waste disposal in their area, and take all reasonable steps
to minimise waste generation.
Authorisation (document owner)
State who and designation
Definitions
Healthcare waste: waste generated by healthcare services.
General waste: any waste deemed disposable without controls, either at landfill or
to the sewer.
Hazardous waste: a component of the waste stream exhibiting characteristics
posing a threat or risk to public health, safety or the environment.
Sharps: objects or devices having sharp points, protuberances or cutting edges,
capable of causing a penetrating injury to humans, or puncturing containers.
Controlled waste: healthcare waste that is recognizable as coming from a
healthcare facility which:
May be contaminated or soiled with potentially infectious human or
animal body fluids which shall not be expressible under compaction;
or
Is not infectious but may be considered culturally or aesthetically
offensive.
Infectious waste: substances known to contain, or reasonably expected to
contain, pathogens. Infectious waste includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Discarded laboratory specimens, cultures, and materials that have
been in contact with them;
Sharps other than those categorized as radioactive or cytotoxic;
Receptacles containing body fluids;
Waste containing expressible body fluids;
Waste from isolation rooms.
Sharps: objects or devices having sharp points or protuberances or cutting edges,
capable of causing a penetrating injury to humans, or puncturing
Title: Waste Management
Policy
Version:1
Prepared by:
Date Approved:
Date for Review:
Approved by:
Designation:
Signature:
Practice/PHO Logo Here
References and relevant legislation
Standards New Zealand: New Zealand Standard NZS 4304: 2002 Management of
Waste
Related policies and procedures
Health & Safety Policy
Harm Reduction Policy
Sharps Procedure
Processes
1. Waste will be segregated according to its category at the time and source of
generation:
General waste is to be placed in general garbage bins, which are lined with
appropriate bags (specify/describe bag). When full, bags are to be sealed,
and placed in the rubbish bin area (specify where this is) where they are not
accessible to unauthorized persons. The local rubbish contractor collects
these weekly.
Controlled and infectious waste (excluding sharps) is to be placed in an
appropriate plastic bag (specify/describe bag) and securely closed. Plastic
bags are then to be placed in the designated contaminated waste
receptacles. Bags are to be filled to no more than 2/3 of their capacity and
then secured with a closure device (specify what this is) that does not have
sharp protuberances (such as staples). Bags are to be stored in an area
(specify where) that is not accessible to unauthorized persons and collected
weekly or as needed by The Medical Waste Company (alter to name of
service provider).
Sharps are to be placed in rigid yellow containers providers by The Medical
Waste Company (alter to name of provider). These containers must be
sealed when full and placed in the designated area in the sluice room to
be exchanged for empty containers weekly or as needed by The Medical
Waste Company (alter to name of provider). For further details see Sharps
Procedure.
Pharmaceutical waste is to be placed in the basket in the treatment room
for return to the pharmacy.
2. At all times when handling controlled waste, staff must wear protective barriers
(specify e.g. gloves, aprons) and follow standard precautions.
3. On commencement of employment all staff will be familiarised with this.
procedure, including any documentation required to be completed as part of it.
They will also be offered immunisation against Hepatitis B
4. Any accidents or incidents involving waste must be documented as per the
The practices harm reduction policy and promptly reported to the Safety Officer.
Title: Waste Management
Policy
Version:1
Prepared by:
Date Approved:
Date for Review:
Approved by:
Designation:
Signature:
Practice/PHO Logo Here
Errors / Complaints
All incidents and errors relating to waste management will be recorded and
managed as per the practices harm reduction policy.
An evaluation of the potential risk to the patient/staff member will be carried
out by the patients general practitioner and appropriate action will be taken.
The patient involved will be notified and informed of the error and the details
will be documented in the patients notes.
Appropriate follow up of the patient will be made.
The harm reduction policy will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of this
policy as appropriate.
Signed .
Date .
Title: Waste Management
Policy
Version:1
Prepared by:
Date Approved:
Date for Review:
Approved by:
Designation:
Signature:
