How to identify hazardous clinical waste

Household healthcare waste can be offensive hygiene waste which should be disposed of with other dustbin rubbish but must be securely wrapped before being deposited. However, it can also be hazardous clinical waste which must be collected separately from other waste and is only collected by arrangement upon request

The table details the types of healthcare waste which are hazardous clinical waste requiring separate collection.

Type of waste
Offensive hygiene waste Clinical waste

Minor first aid and self care waste e.g. plasters

Human or animal tissue
Nappies

Blood or other bodily fluids

Sanitary products Excretions
Incontinence pads Incontinence pads where the user has an infectious disease
Animal faeces Drugs or other pharmaceutical products
Condoms Swabs or dressings
Soiled animal bedding Syringes, needles or other sharp instruments
Stoma bags Any other healthcare related waste, which may cause infection to a person coming into contact with it

Example: Incontinence pads

How to dispose of incontinence pads will vary depending on whether they are infectious or not.

Incontinence pads are classed as clinical waste only if the resident producing them is suffering from an infectious disease.

View guidance on managing your household healthcare waste.