Waste Legislation

The fundamental principles of clinical waste regulations relate to the correct segregation, storage, disposal, and documentation of waste. The HSE standard operating procedure (SOP) 14 Waste Management sets out the details.

Within SOP 14, “healthcare waste” is defined as solid or liquid waste from healthcare or health-related facilities. There are two categories of waste (non-risk and risk) each of which must be segregated and disposed of separately.

Non-risk waste - waste that is not hazardous and can be disposed of via the domestic waste disposal system.

Risk waste - waste that is potentially hazardous to anyone who comes in contact with it and is (infectious, biological, chemical, or radioactive, or is categorised as sharp).  Such waste has come in contact with patients’ body fluids such as blood and/or saliva. 

Key acts and Regulations that apply to clinical waste in Ireland, are outlined below. At Initial Medical, we understand the legal obligations organisations must comply with and provide trusted guidance to enhance and streamline their protocols.

The Waste Management Act 1996 and its Amendments 2001

This act provides for a general duty on everyone not to hold, transport, recover, or dispose of waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution.

The amendment introduced several significant changes to the original Waste Management Act 1996. These changes were aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of waste management policies, promoting environmental protection, and aligning with EU directives.

The European Communities (Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment) (Amendment) Regulations 2021

This regulation concerns the transportation of dangerous goods by road. Hazardous Waste is classed as dangerous goods by road and in order to transport it on public roads within Ireland it has to meet the requirements as setout in these regulations. This will require documentation of waste transfer from customer to final disposal. The waste will have to be packaged in the right containers or receptacles in order to comply with these regulations.

Waste Management (Collection Permit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023

In order to transport waste within Ireland each company will require a waste collection permit and will need to comply with the permit conditions.