Clinical waste is any waste which consists fully or partly of:
- blood or bodily fluids
- drugs or other pharmaceutical products
- human tissue
- swabs or dressings
- syringes, needles or other sharp instruments
These items, unless made safe, may be harmful to anyone coming into contact with them.
Any waste produced while a patient is treated at home by a nurse or member of the NHS is classified as the healthcare professional's waste and should not be left with the patient. The council is under no obligation to take such waste.
If the patient treats themselves at home, the waste is considered their own. This is only considered clinical waste if a particular risk has been identified.
Incontinence pads and disposable nappies are not regarded as clinical waste.
Get a referral
If this is a new request for a clinical collection, a referral is needed from a GP or hospital before it can be approved.
Make a clinical waste collection request
You can contact us to request a new clinical waste collection or to cancel your collection or report a missed collection.