Managing clinical waste correctly is essential to keeping healthcare environments safe and hygienic.
This guide offers simple steps on how to properly use and dispose of clinical waste bags, ensuring safety and reducing risks.
But first, let’s explore what is actually considered clinical waste:
November 21, 2024
What Are Clinical Waste Bags & How to Use Them?
What is Considered Clinical Waste? + Examples
Clinical waste refers to any materials that pose a risk of infection or contamination, typically generated from healthcare activities.
These materials require special handling and disposal to prevent harm to both people and the environment. Below are a few common examples that medical professionals encounter:
Sharps
Items like needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments used in treatments or surgeries. These are particularly hazardous because they can puncture the skin and potentially carry infections.
Contaminated Medical Equipment (PPE)
Gloves, masks, or gowns that have come into contact with bodily fluids, such as blood or saliva, need to be properly disposed of to avoid cross-contamination.
Bandages and Dressings
Once these materials have been used to treat wounds or surgical sites, they may carry infectious agents and must be considered clinical waste.
Infectious Laboratory Waste
Materials from diagnostic testing, such as used swabs, petri dishes, or cultures, which may contain harmful microorganisms.
Expired and Unused Medications
Certain pharmaceutical products, especially those classified as hazardous, must be disposed of through clinical waste processes to ensure they don’t contaminate the environment or pose risks to public health.
With over 35 years of experience, Stericycle delivers safe and professional clinical waste disposal services across the entire UK.
What Bags Should Be Used for Clinical Waste?
Proper clinical waste segregation is key to maintaining safety and meeting regulatory standards.
Different coloured bags are used for specific types of clinical waste. Let’s take a closer look:
Yellow Bags
These are used for infectious or potentially infectious waste contaminated by chemicals or medicines, such as items exposed to bodily fluids or blood. These must be incinerated.
Orange Bags
Used for soft clinical waste, like gloves, masks, or blood bags, which are infectious or potentially infectious and can be sent for disinfection by alternative treatment.
Tiger Bags
For non-infectious, offensive waste, like incontinence pads or non-infectious PPE, which doesn’t pose an infection risk.
Black Bags
For general non-hazardous healthcare waste, such as paper towels or non-clinical items.
It’s critical that you don’t dispose of clinical waste in domestic waste bags as this can spread disease.
Using the correct waste bags in healthcare and laboratory settings is essential to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the safety of employees and the environment.
Stericycle supports organisations with comprehensive guidance — Download our free PDF poster today to instruct your team on proper waste segregation and the correct use of clinical waste bags.
How To Tie a Clinical Waste Bag?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tie a clinical waste bag using the recommended “swan neck” method:
1. Fill the Bag
Ensure the bag is not overfilled, leaving space to tie it securely.
2. Twist the Top
Gather the neck of the bag and twist it tightly to prevent any contents from spilling.
3. Form a Loop
Fold the twisted part into a loop, creating a swan neck-like shape.
4. Secure with a Tie
Use a cable tie around the looped part to keep it tightly closed.
4. Check for Leaks
Ensure there are no gaps or leaks before disposing of the bag.
When Should Clinical Waste Bags Be Disposed?
Clinical waste bags should be disposed of when no more than two-thirds full or weighing up to 8kg, whichever is reached first. Bags must be sealed at the point of production using the swan neck method highlighted above, to prevent contamination.
For proper waste segregation and recycling, it’s essential to partner with a professional clinical waste management company like Stericycle. We ensure compliance with regulations, provide safe waste disposal services, and support correct waste segregation to promote sustainability and environmental protection.
Stericycle's Efficient Clinical Waste Bags
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