Am I a waste producer if I produce clinical waste?

Clinical waste refers to the waste produced by medical related establishments and from medical related practices as defined in Section 2 of the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Ordinance 2006. Common waste producers are hospitals, clinics and elderly homes. By the same definition, households are NOT regarded as producers of clinical waste even though they produce clinical type waste such as syringes.

Does EPD publish any guideline on how to handle clinical waste?

EPD has issued "Practice Note on the Disposal of Clinical Waste at Landfills". This stipulates the necessary procedure and requirements for proper disposal of clinical waste at landfills. The practice note also guides a waste producer to manage clinical waste.

EPD has also described Best Practices in two draft Practice Notes for small producers and, waste collectors and major producers respectively back in 2001.

I only produce a small quantity of clinical waste. Can I just mix the clinical waste with domestic waste and let a domestic waste collector take it away?

Under the upcoming Clinical Waste Control Scheme, it will be an offence if clinical waste from medical related establishments or practices is not collected by a licensed collector or delivered to a reception point or collection point by a healthcare professional. Clinical waste must not be disposed of with general municipal waste.

Even before the implementation of the scheme, waste producers should adopt best practices in managing clinical waste. Owing to the hazardous nature of clinical waste, mixing it with domestic waste can pose danger to waste handlers as well as the public. Regardless of the amount of clinical waste, a waste producer should engage a clinical waste collector to deliver the waste to a proper disposal site.

As a waste producer, do I need to register with EPD if I produce clinical waste?

Clinical waste producers do not need to register with EPD now nor under the coming Control Scheme.

As a waste producer, do I need to apply for a permit to dispose of my clinical waste?

Under the existing arrangement, only vehicles authorized under Clinical Waste Disposal Permits are allowed to enter landfills for disposal of clinical waste. A waste producer can seek the service of a clinical waste collector with a Disposal Permit to collect his clinical waste. However, if a waste producer wants to directly deliver his clinical waste to landfill, he needs to apply for a Disposal Permit from Territorial Control Office of EPD.

Do I have to pre-treat the clinical waste before handing over the waste to a clinical waste collector?

Medical professionals and biotechnologists can make judgement based on the hazard potential of the unwanted material. In any event, proper packaging and sealing of clinical waste are very essential.

Is my responsibility over clinical waste complete when I hand over the waste to a clinical waste collector?

It is the waste producer's duty of care to ensure his clinical waste is properly disposed of. He should carefully select the right collector who can provide quality service. He also needs to monitor the collector and devise a mechanism to ensure waste is properly delivered to the disposal site. When there are complaints against the collector on mis-handling of his clinical waste, the producer should quickly investigate and take remedial actions.

As a waste producer, what should I do to prepare for the coming Clinical Waste Control Scheme?

A waste producer should become conversant with the requirements of the new scheme and keep up to date with development. To assure a smooth transition, he should raise to the required standards. A major waste producer should prepare a Clinical Waste Management Plan, plan and introduce infrastructure, equipment and engage reliable and professional clinical waste collector for proper disposal of the waste.