Cytotoxic Waste Disposal – Driven by Safety

 

Sharpsmart has created first-class solutions for cytotoxic waste disposal that are clinically designed to improve segregation practices and minimise cross-contamination.


The safe and compliant disposal of cytotoxic waste is crucial as it’s a clinical waste type possessing one or more of the following hazardous properties: toxic, carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction, or mutagenic. Cytotoxic and cytostatic waste consists of some of the most dangerous drugs used in healthcare and any materials contaminated with them.

At Sharpsmart, we go beyond just collecting your waste. We ensure you have the safest containment solutions in place and work with clinical staff within the four walls of your facility to provide training and education to ensure compliant segregation and safe disposal of cytotoxic waste.

Request a quote or contact us for more details about our cytotoxic waste disposal service.

 

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How to Dispose of Cytotoxic Waste

 

The cytotoxic waste disposal procedure is best started at the point of care as safe handling and correct segregation in compliance with the Healthcare Technical Memorandum (HTM) 07-01 is essential for protecting human health and the environment. By following these steps, you can ensure safe and compliant disposal:

 

Identify and Segregate

 

Disposal begins with correctly identifying cytotoxic waste and segregating it accordingly. With cytotoxic and cytostatic drugs among the most dangerous used in healthcare, it’s vital to get this right. Correct segregation involves understanding hospital waste bin colour codes and the corresponding EWC codes for your waste.

 

Use the Correct Bin

 

There are many different types of bins used in hospitals and healthcare environments, for cytotoxic and cytostatic waste disposal, it’s the purple bags and purple lid containers you’ll need to use. Sharpsmart’s reusable cytotoxic waste containers are a bagless system with a purple lid, and our 64-litre cytotoxic waste containers have a colour-coded sticker.

 

Where Does Cytotoxic Waste Go? Professional Collection Options

 

Regularly scheduled pickups by certified waste contractors that specialise in handling various types of clinical waste such as cytotoxic waste, ensuring that it’s transported and treated according to legal and safety standards. This step is vital for safeguarding public health, as well as complying with regulations on a local and national level.

 

What Happens to Cytotoxic Waste? Treatment and Disposal

 

As a high-risk waste that poses danger to public health or the environment, cytotoxic waste requires treatment through high-temperature incineration at an authorised facility. This method effectively neutralises harmful pathogens and chemicals, reducing the risk of any adverse environmental impact.

 

Environmental Considerations

 

The improper handling of cytotoxic waste poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Effective waste management and compliant segregation isn’t only a regulatory requirement, but also a moral and ethical obligation. By understanding the correct procedures and enlisting the help of licensed specialists, you can minimise your environmental impact and protect public safety.

 

Sustainability and Safety in Cytotoxic Waste Management

IMMEDIATE COST REDUCTION

Stop paying to throw away bags, boxes and disposable containers; our reusable containment systems eliminate excess waste and the procurements costs associated with purchasing single-use containers

POINT OF USE DISPOSAL

Save time and labour by disposing and segregating waste at point of generation. Our reusable containers eliminate labour associated with box assembly and remove the need to double-package for transport. 

LEAKPROOF CONTAINERS

Our clinically designed containers have built-in seals which minimise odours, cross-contamination and prevent leaking of any free-flowing liquids

MINIMISE INFECTION TRANSFER

Mobile cart and foot pedal operation accessories enable point-of-generation waste disposal, alongside our rigorous 6-stage robotic wash and sanitisation process to minimise infection

 

Cytotoxic Waste Containers | Which Containers Should You Use?

 

Cytotoxic Sharps

Our yellow range with purple lids are designed for cytotoxic / cytostatic contaminated sharps. These come in three sizes designed with and without a safety tray.

Cytotoxic Soft Waste

Our light grey 64 Litre container is designed for the collection of all cytotoxic contaminated soft waste such as aprons, IV bags & lines, soiled gloves and dressings.

"Willing to go the extra mile.."

Sharpsmart's service is excellent; their staff have a strong knowledge of clinical waste management and are always willing to go the extra mile to assist in any operational issues on site

Louise Wood, Estates Officer

Cumberland Infirmary

"Sharpsmart's impact on efficiency..."

NCUH has been working with Sharpsmart for a number of years and have found the service to be first class. The information received about each product, along with savings made , have been great. Staff have been outstanding in assisting us with any issues we have had and resolving in the quickest time

Nicola Little, Transport Services Officer

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust

"Smooth Transition, reduced sharps injuries..."

Most people within the NHS will look back and wonder how we managed without Sharpsmart. The planning that went into ensuring that transition was smooth was well worth the effort, resulting in fewer staff needlestick exposures and sharps injuries.

Specialist in Infection Control

James Paget Hospital

"Market Leader for a Reason..."

Sharpsmart are broadly recognised as the market leader. Having worked with them for 8 months I can see why. You get what you pay for, Excellent!

Chaz Scholefield, Waste Manager

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Trust

"Sustainability is Incredible..."

We've used Sharpsmart for over four years. The traceable sustainability of the Sharpsmart containers is incredible.

Clare Topping, Energy & Sustainability Manager

Northampton General Hospital

Additional Information

Risks Associated with Cytotoxic Waste

Typical industry practices of using single-use sharps and cytotoxic waste containers or sacks for the collection of cytotoxic waste increase the risk of spillage and infection transfer due to the flimsy nature of such containment systems that have no built-in seals to enclose contents in case of incident.

Without formal training and a secure containment system that simplifies segregation, unnecessary costs and risks can be incurred. Some of the key concerns include:

  • Exposure routes: Cytotoxic drugs can enter the body through skin contact, inhalation, ingestion, or needlestick injuries.
  • Health hazards: Exposure can lead to various health issues including cancer, birth defects, infertility, respiratory problems, and skin irritation.
  • Environmental impact: Improper disposal can contaminate the environment, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and public health.

 

Exposure to cytotoxic waste can happen during various activities within the healthcare setting including:

  • Drug preparation
  • Drug administration
  • Handling patient waste such as bodily fluids, contaminated materials
  • Transport and disposal of cytotoxic materials
  • Cleaning spills or contaminated areas

     

How Can Sharpsmart Help?


World-class clinically designed reusable containment systems optimised for safety, sustainability and efficiency.

Proven cost-reduction initiatives | 30% reduction in operating costs, 65% decrease in labour.

Experts in regulatory compliance | We navigate the red tape for you.

Clearly segregated solutions for cytotoxic waste, compliant labelling and expert training to facilitate correct disposal.

Safety and Infection Minimisation is achieved through clinical products and the provision of expert advice in placement and training.

 

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