Clinical waste - Print version

Clinical waste is mostly considered hazardous waste under environmental legislation when it contains substances or has properties that might make it harmful to human health or the environment.

This does not necessarily mean it is an immediate risk to human health but it should be treated and handled in accordance with guidelines: Health Technical Memorandum 07-01: Safe and sustainable management of healthcare waste [https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/B2159iii-health-technical-memorandum-07-01.pdf].

Under this legislation, we are obliged to provide a collection service for Domestic Household clinical waste. We do not collect clinical waste for Businesses.

If you produce or hold clinical waste at your premises in England and Wales you must register your site with the Environment Agency on an annual basis [https://www.gov.uk/hazardous-waste-producer-registration] unless the total quantity of clinical waste to be removed is less than 500kg per year. The Environment Agency will issue a Hazardous Waste Registration Report which details your specific registration number.

In addition to the above whether you are registered or not with the Environmental Agency you will still have to produce a consignment note every time your clinical waste is collected. For advice on this matter please contact us. 

Clinical waste collection service

A free collection service is provided to Coventry residents who need to have their clinical waste removed from their homes due to a medical condition. Clinical waste can be infectious or potentially infectious and needs to be removed safely.

What is clinical waste?

• Used or discarded syringes
• Needles or cartridges (also know as Sharps)
• Swabs, wound dressings, renal dialysis waste or bandages that are contaminated with blood, bodily fluids or secretions.

These items need to be collected separately from your regular household waste.

This service cannot be used to remove the following items as these can be placed in your green lidded household waste bin:

• incontinence pads
• bed pans or liners
• empty urine containers
• stoma bags or catheters
• feminine hygiene products
• babies nappies

You should use your blue lidding waste bin for items such as aerosol cleaning sprays, bottles of nutrition for stomach feeding and cardboard packaging as these are not clinical waste.

How to apply

On line

Complete our online form Clinical Waste Collection [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/clinical_waste_collection]. If you need help with the form, you can ask a family member, friend or someone you trust to complete it on your behalf.

By phone

Call us on 08085 834333, Monday to Friday 9am -5pm (excluding bank holidays) for help completing the form.

In person

Come to our Customer Service Centre where staff can help you complete the online form.

Address:

Opening times

• 9am - 5pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (excluding public holidays)
• 10am - 5pm Tuesday

Next steps

Once we have received your completed form we will notify you within 10 working days to tell you when the service will start.

The collection service is provided by PHS (our third party provider) who will collect your clinical waste. Please refer to our Waste Services privacy notice – Coventry City Council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/wasteservicesprivacynotice]

We reserve the right to remove the clinical waste collection service at any time if it is not being used correctly.

Your questions answered

How much clinical waste can be collected?

We can collect a maximum of 5  Sharps boxes. The container sizes can range from 1 litre to 7 litres. We can also collect a maximum of 5 bagged orange waste.

How often will you collect the clinical waste?

You will have the option of requesting a one off collection or a regular collection such as every week, fortnightly (every 2 weeks) , 4 weekly or 8 weekly.

How do I get the right container/bag to put my clinical waste in?

These should be provided by your GP/Community Nurse or via your prescription.

Where do I need to place the waste for it to be collected?

It needs to be placed at the front of your property (your front door). Please ensure the bags are securely tied and the Sharp boxes are sealed.

Is it safe to leave a Sharp box outside my front door?

If the box is securely sealed then this would be considered safe enough to leave outside your front door

Will the clinical waste collection provider (PHS) knock on my door?

No. There is no need for you to be at home. The provider (PHS) will collect your clinical waste from your property/front door without disturbing you.

Where can I find the size of the Sharps Box?

The size of the box can be found on the corner of the label.

What if I need to change, cancel or have an issue with the collection?

Use the same form to tell us of any changes you want to your collection. This same form can be used to get in touch with us if you have an issue with your collection. Clinical Waste Collection  [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/clinical_waste_collection]

Will you collect medicines that are no longer needed or are out of date?

If you have medicines that you no longer use please return these to your local pharmacy so they can dispose of them safely.

Will you collect clinical waste for Pets?

No.

I am a business, can I apply for this service?

No. This service is only for residents with a medical condition. You will need to find your own clinical waste provider.