Laboratories must safely discard products every day. Waste management is a predictable part of laboratory workflows, and so it’s possible to optimise the daily routine by placing containers at points of use.
There are several advantages of conveniently placed waste containers.
Guidance on waste container location
There is little official guidance on where clinical waste containers should be placed throughout the laboratory. Each layout will have different requirements for the type and placements of waste bins, which will also be affected by the type of work carried out in the laboratory.
In Health Technical Memorandum 07-01 (HTM 07-01), which provides waste management guidance for laboratories, the location of bins is mentioned for recyclable and non-hazardous residual waste.
It’s recommended that waste and recycling bins are placed strategically around the premises and paired wherever possible. They should be located:
- Where they are likely to be needed (point of use)
- Where they will be within view (ease of accessibility)
Similarly, primary care services are advised that waste bins should be positioned where they are easily accessible to staff.
Applying this guidance safely to clinical waste containers in a laboratory is important.
Safety first
Clinical waste can present hazards in a number of ways. An item may be infectious, chemically or pharmaceutically contaminated, or feature a sharp that can cause percutaneous injury.
Once a waste item is created after use, it is, of course, important for laboratory technicians to dispose of it quickly and appropriately. By placing waste containers at points of use, laboratory staff minimise the need to transport hazardous items unprotected. Even if it is only across a room, this travel increases hazard risks to themselves and other technicians.
How to choose the best laboratory waste containers
When choosing containers that can be placed around the laboratory, factors to consider may include:
- The type of waste produced in accordance with the HTM 07-01 colour code
- The properties of the waste produced
- The size of laboratory
- How waste management can be optimised for the environment
If a laboratory works primarily with pharmaceutical solutions, for example, it would be important to have many blue pharmaceutical containers on hand. In places like a dental laboratory, these will not necessarily be needed in the same quantity.
If the waste produced includes sharps or wet/liquid items, these will need specially designed sharps containers, which will reduce the risk of percutaneous injury compared to clinical waste bags. Some paper-based solutions may be suitable for items that contain small amounts of liquid, but this will depend on a case-by-case basis.
The size of a laboratory has a significant impact on the options chosen. Where technicians operate in spacious areas, with ample room near/under a workbench, the containers that are chosen could be larger and store greater quantities of waste. These will still need to be of size that can be safely moved for onward disposal.
Where space is limited, for example, at small workbenches or near fume cupboards, smaller containers are effective to have on hand. They can be replaced consistently, offering convenience and safety.
Green solutions, like those from Initial Medical, can also help laboratories to support the environment through their waste workflows.
The Bio-bin® range from Initial Medical is made of 96% paper as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for small amounts of clinical waste. Laboratories can choose from a variety of sizes that suit their needs, as well as the full range of colours for the clinical waste workflow for optimal compliance. Each Bio-bin® can also absorb some liquid, to support even more waste disposal needs.
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