Clinical Waste Compliance
Clinical waste compliance and Duty of Care guidance for UK healthcare providers. Waste transfer notes, consignment notes and certificates provided within 48…
Clinical waste compliance is a legal requirement for all healthcare providers. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, anyone who produces, carries or disposes of clinical waste has a Duty of Care to ensure it is handled safely and legally. MediWaste helps you meet these obligations with fully documented, compliant waste collection and disposal.
Key Regulations
- Environmental Protection Act 1990 — establishes the Duty of Care for waste producers
- Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 — governs the disposal of hazardous clinical waste
- Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 — requires safe sharps disposal
- GOV.UK clinical waste management guidance — provides detailed segregation and disposal requirements
For the full guidance, see the GOV.UK clinical waste management page.
Documentation We Provide
- Waste transfer notes — for every collection of non-hazardous clinical waste
- Hazardous waste consignment notes — for hazardous waste including sharps, pharmaceutical and cytotoxic waste
- Certificates of disposal — confirming compliant incineration or treatment
- Waste audit reports — available on request for CQC inspections
All documentation is issued within 48 hours of collection and retained for the statutory minimum of two years.
Compliance guarantee: All waste transfer notes and consignment notes provided within 48 hours of collection. MediWaste is audited annually by the Environment Agency and holds a registered waste carrier licence (upper tier).
Our Compliance Process
- Free consultation — We assess your waste streams and ensure you have the correct segregation and containers.
- Scheduled collection — Our licensed drivers collect waste and issue waste transfer notes on every visit.
- Documentation — All consignment notes and certificates are provided within 48 hours.
- Audit support — We provide waste audit reports and documentation for CQC and Environment Agency inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Duty of Care for clinical waste?
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, anyone who produces, carries or disposes of clinical waste has a Duty of Care to ensure it is handled safely and legally. This includes segregating waste correctly, using licensed carriers and keeping documentation.
What documentation do I need?
You need waste transfer notes for non-hazardous waste and hazardous waste consignment notes for hazardous waste. These must be retained for at least two years.
How often is MediWaste audited?
MediWaste is audited annually by the Environment Agency and holds a registered upper tier waste carrier licence.
What happens if my waste is incorrectly segregated?
Incorrectly segregated waste can lead to regulatory breaches and potential fines. Our team advises on correct segregation during your free consultation, and we provide ongoing support to ensure your waste streams remain compliant. If we notice incorrect segregation during collection, we will notify you immediately.
What insurance does MediWaste carry?
MediWaste holds comprehensive public liability and employer liability insurance. Certificates are available on request and can be included in your compliance documentation pack.
Can you help with CQC inspection preparation?
Yes, we can help you prepare for CQC inspections by reviewing your waste management practices, ensuring your documentation is up to date and providing a compliance summary. Our free audit tool is also designed to identify gaps before an inspection.
Request a free quote or call 0800 046 9806 to discuss your compliance requirements.
Useful Resources