Are you preparing for mass testing at your premises? Do you have a Waste Management Plan which is safe and legally compliant?
The UK Government announcement earlier this year, introduced mass lateral flow testing within businesses, care homes, schools, universities and colleges in its fight against the pandemic. These tests are used to detect COVID-19 in a rapid and timely manner, providing a test result within 30 minutes. Businesses and organisations with over 50 employees can register for free testing here at gov.uk.
Your waste management plan needs to keep you, your customers and wider community safe and protect you from further outbreaks of the virus. To achieve this, it is vital that this waste is disposed of safely, securely and compliantly to avoid cross contamination and any spread of infection.
How is waste from the Covid test kits classified?
The waste produced from Covid testing kits is classified under the EWC code which specifies offensive waste and non-hazardous chemical waste. This means that it can only be treated at specialist facilities permitted to take these types of waste and the waste hierarchy must be followed. Here is a link to the guidance on classifying and separating the waste.
How should your testing waste be stored?
This waste must be separated from all other waste streams and stored in a secure location as follows:
- LFT testing cartridges, swabs, vials, tissues, absorbent pads must be stored in yellow or clear/neutral bags, with NO clinical or hazardous markings in a secure container/bin.
- All PPE (Aprons, masks, gloves) must be stored in yellow tiger bags in a secure container/bin.
- All packaging can be stored in your normal black/recycling municipal waste bin.
The above first two waste streams will need specialist treatment, meaning traditional disposal routes are not an option except for your packaging waste.
How can a waste provider like LES help?
Our expert team will guide and advise you through the waste legislation and put a plan in place to ensure you are compliant and safe. We can supply bags, secure bins and all the necessary paperwork together with dedicated collections for this specialist waste stream at a competitive price. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal service where you will have a dedicated account manager at the end of the phone to answer any questions or queries you may have.
Find out how LES can help you prepare for your testing. Get in touch with our COVID waste Management team by giving us a call on 01772 885100 or emailing us at sales@lancashireenvironmentalservices.com
Or for further information check out our website here: https://lancashireenvironmentalservices.com/covid-19-waste-collection/.