&Views

Addenbrooke's NHS Trust
Estates and Facilities Dept.
Box 129, Hills Road, Cambridge
Cambridgeshire CB2 2QQ
http://www.addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Tel: 01223 217193
Fax: 01223 217220
Contact: Mrs Vicki Sawford
mailto:victoria.sawford@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Albany Washroom Services
15 Brook Road
Brook Road Industrial Estate
Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7UT
http://www.albanyfacilities.com
Tel: 0870 366 5777
Fax: 0870 366 5778
Contact: Mr Mike Burton
enquiries@albanyfacilities.com
Amcor Flexibles / SPS Laboratories
Winterbourne Road
Stoke Gifford,Bristol BS34 8PT
http://www.sharpakforsharps.co.uk
Tel: 0117 983 6000
Fax: 0117 983 6001
Contact: Mr. David Scarrow
David.Scarrow@Amcor-Flexibles.com
Biffa Waste Services Ltd
Potters Lane, Wednesbury
WS10 7NR
http://www.biffa.co.uk
Tel: 0121 505 1662
Fax:0121 505 2120
resource
17 Pennybridge Industrial Estate
Ballymena BT42 3HB
http://www.resource-group.com
Tel: 02825 643836
Fax: 02825 658998
Contact: Ms. Jennie Black
info@resource-group.com
Brimaid Ltd
Valley Mills, Valley Road
Bradford, West Yorkshire
BD1 4RU
http://www.brimaid.co.uk
Tel: 01274 728837
Fax: 01274 734351
Contact: Mr Kevin Dixon
sales@brimaid..co.uk
GW Butler Ltd
Unit 2, Bowbeck
Off Bowling Back Lane
Bradford BD4 8GG
Tel: 01274 722761
Fax: 01274 681332
Contact: Mr. Paul Butler
pbutler@gwbutler.co.uk
OCS Group Ltd t/a Cannon
Northgate, White Lund Estate
Morecambe, Lancashire LA3 3BJ
http://www.cannonhygiene.co.uk
Tel: 01524 595384
Fax: 0870 444 3938
Contact: Mr Dave Dingle
dave.dingle@cannonhygiene.com
Cathedral Hygiene Services
Building 300 , Relay Point
Relay Drive, Tamworth
Staffs. B77 5PA
http://www.hygieneservices.co.uk
Tel: 01827 263910
Fax: 01827 263911
Contact: Mr. Tom Gooder
CHS@building300.com
Cliniserve Ltd
Vinnetrow Road
Vinnetrow Business Park
Chichester, West Sussex
PO20 6QH
http://www.cliniserve.co.uk
Tel: 01243 782288
Fax: 01243 784488
Contact: Mr. James Geary
sales@cliniserve.co.uk
Compact Power Ltd
Yara House
St. Andrews Road
Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9HZ
http://www.compactpower.co.uk
Tel: 0117 980 2900
Fax: 0117 980 2901
Contact: Mrs. Celia McAllister
c_mcallister@compactpower.co.uk
Craemer Environmental Systems Ltd
23 Gladstone House, Hadley
Telford, Shropshire TF1 4NF
http://www.kliko.co.uk
Tel: 01952 641366
Fax: 01952 641766
Contact: Mr. Clive Hames
clive@kliko.co.uk
Daniels Healthcare Ltd
Honours
72 - 80 Akeman Street
Tring, Herts HP23 6AJ
http://www.daniels.co.uk
Tel: 01442 826881
Fax: 01442 826880
Contact: Ms Dee Ward
dee@Daniels.co.uk
Enviros Consulting
Enviros House
Shrewsbury Business Park
Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6LG
http://www.enviros.com
Tel: 0131 555 9533
Fax: 0131 555 9515
Contact: Mr Steve Bell
Steve.bell@enviros.com
Frontier Medical Products
Newbridge Road Industrial Estate
Blackwood, South Wales NP12 2YN
http://www.frontier-group.co.uk
Tel: 01495 235800
Fax: 01495 235808
Contact: Mr. Nick Davis
nickdavis@frontier-group.co.uk
Griffiths and Nielsen Ltd
Wyvern House, 49 Station Road
Billingshurst, Sussex RH14 9SE
http://www.g-and-n.co.uk
Tel: 01403 784881
Fax: 01403 784988
Contact: Mr Giles Griffiths
giles@g-and-n.co.uk
Grundon Waste Management Ltd
Lakeside Road, Colnbrook
Berkshire SL3 0EG
http://www.grundon.com
Tel: 01753 686777
Fax: 01753 686002
Contact: Mr. Andrew Stratton
clinical@grundon.com
Healthcare Environmental Services Ltd
Calderhead Road, Shotts
Lanarkshire ML7 4EO
http://www.healthcareenv.co.uk
Tel: 01501 822233
Fax: 0151 822211
Contact: Mr. Garry Pettigrew
garry@healthcareenv.co.uk
Icomed Ltd
Unit 1, Dene Valley Business Centre
Brookhampton Lane, Kineton
Warwickshire CV35 0JD
http://www.icomed.co.uk
Tel: 01608 642814
Fax: 01608 642815
Contact: Mr. John Ely
ico@icomed.co.uk
Intercare Distribution Services
Unity House, Marshfield Bank
Crewe, Cheshire CW2 8UY
http://www.intercareuk.com
Tel: 01270 539860
Fax: 01270 583298
Contact: Mr. Mark Greenhalgh
mark@intercareuk.com
Mauser Benelux B.V.
Souvereinstraat 1 Postbus 235
4900AE, Oosterhout
Netherlands
http://www.mauser-group.com
Tel: (31) 162 483700
Fax: (31) 162 483750
Contact: Mr Kees Vredevoort
kees.vredevoort@mausergroup.com
Peake (GB) Ltd
Stoneybridge, Liskeard
Cornwall PL14 3NQ
http://www.peake-gb.co.uk
Tel: 01579 342212
Fax: 01579 344520
Contact: Mr. Richard Brenton
rb@peake-gb.co.uk
PHS Group plc
Western Industrial Estate
Caerphilly CF83 1XH
http://www.phs.co.uk
Tel: 029 2085 1000
Fax: 029 2086 3288
Contact: Ms Jan Dolman
mailto:jandolman@phs.co.uk
Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd
Plastic Omnium House
Tweedale Industrial Estate
Madeley, Telford
Shropshire TF7 4JR
http://www.pourbansystems.com/uk
Tel.: 01952 582 583
Fax: 01952 586 453
Contact: Ms Nicky Oxenham
mailto:noxenham@plasticomnium.com
Sanitary Medical Disposal
Services Association
Office and Secretary, 111 Wollaston Road,
Irchester,Northants NN29 7DD
http://www.smdsa.com
Tel: 01933 311223 Fax: 01933 311223
Contact: Mr Martin Foulser
admin@smdsa.com
Every effort is made to ensure that the information given herein is accurate, but no legal responsibility is accepted for any errors, omissions or misleading statements in that information
caused by negligence or otherwise, and no responsibility is accepted in regard to the standing of any firms, companies or individuals mentioned.
Designed and produced by Shire Publicity Limited - Tel: 01536 414651
Issue Eight
SMDSA sponsors
first Management
of Healthcare
Wastes seminar
On 20 March 2007 SMDSA sponsored the first ‘Management of
Healthcare Wastes’ seminar at the Thackray Museum in Leeds. The
Thackray Museum was a particularly appropriate venue for this event
due to it being an award winning Medical Museum. Delegates had free
entry to the amazing exhibitions, which make it well worth a visit at any
time to those with an interest in all things medical. Organised by the
North East Centre of The Chartered Institute of Wastes Management,
this was the first event of its kind in the UK to look at the new 'Safe
Management of Healthcare Waste' Guidance.
Following an introduction to SMDSA and our work, speakers featured
were Sian Fisher of Catalyst Waste Solutions Ltd reviewing current
topics in healthcare waste, Lorraine Brayford from NHS Estates on the
new Guidance, and Dave Dingle of OCS Group UK Ltd giving one
contractors perspective. Over lunch those attending were able to view
the SMDSA display featuring a wide range of clinical waste containers
showing the recommended new color coding systems and chat to
Association representatives about the benefits of Membership. In the
afternoon, there were presentations by Dee Cook, Northumbria Region
of The Environment Agency looking at how The Hazardous Waste
Regulations affect healthcare waste and Maria Mahon, Waste Manager
at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust took a look at the guidance in
practice from the perspective of the largest Teaching Hospitals NHS
Trust in the UK.
The meeting was attended by a range of delegates including a variety
of types of Healthcare Waste Producers, Waste Contractors (including
representatives of SMDSA Members from all over the UK and Europe),
CIWM staff, and Local Authority & Environment Agency Officers.
A further CIWM regional seminar will take place in London on 22
November.
. . . and Open Day for Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group
Later this month, SMDSA will also be sponsoring the first open day for
the new Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group (HCWRR) on
28 November at Northampton University. (see article on inside page for
more information)
news &
Views
Autumn 2007
Healthcare Environmental Group companies achieved full
accrediation to the environmental standard ISO 14001 ON
31st July 2007. This latest development was achieved by all
our depots and disposal plants.
Healthcare Environmental have also completed all testing on our
re-usable sharps containers, these containers have
been tested at various NHS Trusts throughout the UK.
Over the last six months we have been
succesful in gaining the Greater Glasgow
Dental contract, to supply a contracted
service to over 300 dental practitioners throughout
Glasgow & Inverclyde. This represents a full facilities
contract for all waste types.
Plastic Omnium Acquires Sulo
Environmental Technology
On September 25, 2007, Compagnie Plastic Omnium finalized the
acquisition of Germany’s Sulo Environmental Technology for an
enterprise value of €142 million. The acquisition is retroactive to June 1.
With 540 employees, mainly in Germany, Sulo Environmental
Technology last year generated €186 million in revenue and €12.4
million in operating profit.
The company is a European leader in its core business: the manufacture
and sale of wheeled and underground containers, litterbins, public
drop-off receptacles and other waste collection equipment. With its
plant in Germany and sales to Central Europe, Sulo Environmental
Technology extends Plastic Omnium Environment’s manufacturing and
marketing base.
Plastic Omnium Environment produces waste collection equipment in
France, Spain and South Africa for sale around the world. The
acquisition also includes Sulo subsidiary Envicomp, which designs
information systems for identifying, weighing and lifting waste
containers. The integration of Envicomp expands Plastic Omnium’s
Ecosourcing service package for improving waste sorting and raising
awareness among equipment users. The acquisition also enables Plastic
Omnium Environment to diversify into two other businesses in which
Sulo Environmental Technology is already present—logistics (transport
and storage) and the production of metal containers for the chemicals
and pharmaceutical industries.

Safe Management of Healthcare
Waste... One Year On
The Department of Health published HTM-07-01 at the end of November 2006 to
update guidance on how to segregate, contain and dispose of healthcare waste in
order to fully comply with latest regulations and legislation.
Nick Davis, Group Managing Director, Frontier Medical
Despite the fact that HTM-07-01 was long awaited, it is fair to say that the
implementation of the guidance across the NHS has been generally slow. One
sharps container manufacturer carried out informal research amongst customers
several months after the guidance was published with the following broad
conclusions:
■
■
■
Awareness of the guidance was patchy – not all Trusts realised its significance;
The person responsible for implementing the guidance varied across Trusts but
with Waste Managers (or equivalent) being the most common;
No set timescales for the implementation had been set within most
organisations;
It is now a year since the guidance was published – this article provides a brief
overview of the main provisions, particularly in respect of the containment of
waste, and how they have been interpreted and implemented throughout the
National Health Service to date from the perspective of the container
manufacturers.
HTM 07-01: Safe Management of Healthcare Waste obliges NHS organisations to
segregate healthcare waste into specific colour-coded waste streams, according to
the nature of the waste. Whilst it is inappropriate to try to synthesise well over
100 pages of guidance in a short article, the key recommendations of HTM-07-01
include the adoption of:
■
■
■
A new methodology for identifying infectious and medicinal waste that
complies with health and safety, transport and waste regulations (described as
the Unified Approach);
A best-practice waste segregation and packaging system involving colourcoded
containers;
An offensive/hygiene waste stream to describe waste that is non-infectious.
The guidance incorporates definitions of infectious and medicinal waste:
■
■
Infectious waste is essentially that which poses a known or potential risk of
infection, regardless of the level of infection posed;
Medicinal waste includes expired, unused, spilt and contaminated
pharmaceutical products, drugs, vaccines and sera that are no longer required
and need to be disposed of properly.
HTM-07-01 divides medicines into three broad categories: Cytotoxic and cytostatic;
pharmaceutically active but not cytotoxic or cytostatic; and not pharmaceutically
active and possessing no hazardous properties (e.g., saline or glucose).
In the broadest possible terms, the guidance suggests the following colour coding
for sharps containers:
■
■
■
■
Orange lids - for sharps not contaminated with medicinal products and/or fully
discharged sharps;
Yellow lids – for partially discharged sharps contaminated with medicinal
products other than cytotoxic or cytostatic medicines;
Purple lids - for sharps contaminated with cytotoxic and/or cytostatic medicinal
products.
Pharmaceutical products – HTM-07-01 suggests that these should also be
included in yellow containers – however, a consensus has emerged that this
would lead to confusion in identification during the disposal process so
container manufacturers continue to supply either blue or green lidded
containers for this purpose.
It should be noted that the colour-codes are significant in terms of the permitted
disposal route of the waste stream as well as the contents. Also, it is not
necessarily the case that all organisations will need to use all of the different
colour options. It is usually possible and preferable to simplify the segregation –
manufacturers and others can assist in working through a process to arrive at an
optimal solution balancing cost and ease of use whilst maintaining compliance
with the guidance.
■
In the case of one of the main recommendations of the guidance – segregation
of sharps into colour-coded containers – there was no clear consensus as to
which combination of colours to adopt.
More recent research from another of the manufacturers suggests that, on the
whole, the situation remains broadly the same a year later, with relatively low
levels of awareness and indeterminate implementation intentions
From discussions throughout the NHS and the associated supply and waste
management organisations, there would appear to be a number of diverse
reasons for this slow take up of HTM-07-01:
■
■
■
■
■
The guidance is only that – guidance – and HTM-07-01 makes no reference to
date by which it should be implemented. Whilst there is recognition that it is
an issue that needs to be addressed, many other priorities within the NHS seem
to be taking precedence.
Whilst the authors of the guidance made every effort to synthesise a complex
subject, the result was a large and, for the non-expert, largely impenetrable
document. Many Trusts appeared to be waiting for interpretation of the
guidance or for others to take the lead to demonstrate a workable
implementation.
Although the guidance was badged by the health services in England, Scotland
and Wales, it was clear from the outset that different interpretations would be
made in each country. In particular, Scotland is expected to publish differing
guidance, which has yet to be finalised.
It has taken manufacturers and wholesalers some time to make available the
products required by the guidance (for example, colour-coded sharps
containers) for use by the NHS.
Possibly, the main reason for the slow interpretation is that the guidance
appears to address a problem that was not recognised as such by the many
hundreds of thousands of frontline healthcare workers.
Having said why the uptake of the guidance has been slow, progress has certainly
been made over the past year. All the clinical waste container manufacturers have
changed their ranges to ensure that products are
available to meet the guidance. Whilst this may appear
to be a relatively simple exercise, the reality is far more complex, involving
considerable effort and cost. Taking sharps containers as an example, the range
of products has been increased at least threefold to take account of the different
coloured lids for the containers. Issues which have needed to be addressed to
facilitate this from a production perspective include:
■
■
■
■
Sourcing appropriate masterbatch (plastic colourant);
Changing the labelling / printing on the containers to reflect the segregated
contents;
Increasing moulding capacity – whilst the overall number of sharps containers
may not rise, the injection moulding tools require cleaning at each colour
change, reducing throughput;
Increasing stockholding capacity – the increased number of products requires
more stocks to be held to ensure that the typical same-week delivery timescales
continue to be met.
These product changes have added significantly to the manufacturing cost of the
containers although companies have chosen to absorb these additional costs
rather than pass them on to the customers through price rises.
It is not only the manufacturers that have incurred additional costs resulting from
the new colour-coded products. All organisations involved in the supply chain
between the factory gates and hospital ward or clinic have needed to adapt to the
changes. Wholesalers, including NHS Supply Chain, have increased their stocked
ranges of sharps containers to accommodate the colour-coded products.
Consequently, NHS organisations should have no difficulty in sourcing the
requisite equipment through their normal supply channels.

Safe Management
of Healthcare Waste
... One Year On
SMDSA secures Agency
concessions and derogations
Martin Foulser – Secretary, SMDSA
CONTINUED
Waste management companies have also incurred costs in developing systems to
ensure that the segregation of the waste is maintained throughout the various
routes to its appropriate final disposal.
All of the sharps container manufacturers within the SMDSA have produced
detailed information on their ranges of products, which is available to assist
producers in complying with these guidelines. As well as providing the
equipment, the manufacturers will be happy to provide guidance, both in person
and through media such as literature, flowcharts, “toolkits” and websites which
will guide NHS entities all the way from deciding the best course of action to
comply with the guidance through to the final implementation of the preferred
option throughout their organisation. Many waste disposal companies are also in
a position to assist in choosing an appropriate implementation strategy.
In summary, the guidance has been in place for nearly a year and it is now time for
NHS organisations to address the issue where they have not already done so.
Appropriate colour-coded equipment is readily available from a variety of
Veterinary waste and its safe management
The 2005 regulations on Hazardous Waste, present veterinary practices with major
changes to the way they segregate and classify wastes.
As a leading service provider in this area, Vetspeed has produced two posters to
help practices establish a suitable waste handling regime. These stem from
guidance agreed between the Environment Agency and the British Veterinary
Association.
The situation is that clinical waste, anatomically and medicinally contaminated
sharps and anatomical waste must now be considered as infectious and hazardous.
These wastes have to be consigned under the Hazardous Waste Regulations.
Further, most practices will need to register with the Environment Agency as a
single bag of such waste per week is enough to exceed the 200kg exemption.
Howard Jonas, Director, Vetspeed Ltd
manufacturers at no additional cost through all of the widely-used NHS supply
channels. Help and advice is freely available from container manufacturers and
others to assist with the decision making necessary to change over to a HTM-07-01
compliant waste segregation system, and both NPAG (National Performance
Advisory Group) and CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) with
assistance from SMDSA have held seminars across the country to assist those
affected.
Vetspeed’s posters distil a 120 page technical guide into an easily understandable
format. The first poster explains which waste types should go into which colourcoded
containers. The second is a decision tree to make it easier to segregate
wastes correctly.
Free copies are available by emailing support@cpccares.com
or calling 01763 207750.
Steady persistence in discussions with senior
managers at the Environment Agency has finally
paid off with the SMDSA recently securing a
number of important concessions and derogations
that will ease the burden on its member companies
and the wider industry.
Potentially high direct costs have been largely
avoided which, together with the accompanying
administrative costs could have seen an
unjustifiable rise in the price paid by customers for some services.
Disposal of Aerosol canisters from
washroom servicing
A Problem Aired …
In late 2006, Albany Washroom Services (a long term SMDSA Member) was
approached by a local Environment Agency officer during a routine inspection of
their waste transfer station regarding the collection and disposal of spent aerosols
from servicing.
Albany Washroom Services, in common with other SMDSA members provide
automatic air freshener services to commercial premises, which use an
electronically controlled aerosol to provide measured bursts of fragrances into the
working environment. The company replaces the aerosol and batteries at each
scheduled service visit.
Since the banning of CFCs, the propellant contained in many aerosols is butane, a
flammable gas, and when the aerosol is changed, the partially empty canister may
become a hazardous waste for disposal due to the flammable nature of the
residue.
As a hazardous waste the ‘nominally empty’ canister would need to be consigned
from the customer to a licensed facility for disposal. The Albany transfer station
was not licensed for hazardous waste and the Agency officer suggested that the
company would need to apply for a modification to its licence (at a cost of £7500)
and should be consigning these aerosols. In addition the company would also
need to pay for the site manager to upgrade their Certificate of Technical
Competence in order to cover hazardous waste and an increased subsistence cost.
Faced with an initial bill of about £15,000 plus the cost of administering the
consignments and with the expectation that they would have to charge the client
an additional £10-15 per visit or up to £200 per year, Albany’s Sales Director, Barry
Marsham, contacted the SMDSA for help.
The Picture Unfolds …
It soon became apparent that the implications for the industry were far reaching.
The industry generally had returned spent aerosols from servicing to their service
depots and then designated them as waste and consigned them onward for
disposal. The situation is likely to affect many other service industries where waste
is produced as a result of providing a service to a client away from the depot, such
as mobile car or machinery servicing, builders, double glazing, pest control, and
the vending industry.
Many of these wastes are also hazardous – oil, asbestos lining, fluorescent tubes,
pesticides and contaminated vermin, lead acid batteries, paints, adhesives and
other aerosols are similarly returned to unlicensed depots for later disposal.
Many hygiene and washrooms service companies
also do not operate or require waste transfer
stations, but Albany had been identified as part of a
routine inspection of their licensed facility whereas
many of the other operations above fall below the
Agency’s ‘radar’.
A survey of SMDSA members indicated an estimated
3 million aerosol canisters from servicing air
fresheners each year with about 2 million separate
consignments effected. If these were all consigned back to the depots the cost of
consignment fees paid to the Environment Agency could be £20M – three times
the Agency’s own previous estimate for the total revenue from hazardous waste
consignment notes.
Practical Solutions
The SMDSA and Albany entered a process of discussion with management in the
policy section of the Agency on the basis that:
■
■
■
■
If the aerosol canisters were left with the client, the majority would be likely
to be incorrectly dispersed into the commercial waste stream for landfill,
whereas collecting them together by service providers created a sufficient
quantity to enable economic recovery and recycling or controlled treatment
and removes them from landfill.
The cost of 2 million ‘internal’ consignment fees would serve as an impediment
to recovery or recycling opportunities.
The generation of over 2 million consignment notes where the contractor is
simultaneously producer, carrier, and disposer served no useful purpose
providing that the required information remained available for audit or
inspection.
The requirement for every washroom service provider to obtain a Waste
Management License (or amend their existing license) was wholly
disproportionate regulation to the risk and further impedes recovery or
recycling.
Following careful consideration of all the implications, the Agency have agreed:
■
■
■
That exemption 28 in Schedule 3 of the Waste Management Licensing
Regulations may be used instead of applying for a license i.e.
The storage of returned goods that are waste, and the secure storage of
returned goods that are hazardous waste, pending recovery or disposal, for a
period not exceeding one month, by their manufacturer, distributor or retailer.
Companies may register this exemption by telephoning the Agency’s Helpdesk
on 08708 506 506.
To add this waste stream to the derogation from payment of consignment fees
such that only a single consignee return fee shall be payable each quarter.
- see 'Different rules for specific waste streams' at the following link:
http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/subjects/waste/1019330/1217981/1411674/?version=1&lang=_e
That consignment notes do not have to follow the standard Agency format but
may be in another format achieved by adapting existing paperwork or
electronic system providing the same information can be provided to the
Agency in an intelligible form.

This has made a huge difference for Albany and
will similarly benefit the many companies who
provide hygiene and washrooms services in
England and Wales, and SMDSA offers their thanks
to the Agency officers who helped to find practical
solutions that will now benefit both the
environment and industry. The adjoining articles
demonstrate how SMDSA member companies have
now completed the chain by investing in leading
technologies to safely treat aerosol canisters with
total recovery and recycling of the components.
What is not covered
The above applies only to the movement of aerosols from servicing in washrooms
etc back to the contractors depot. It does not apply to the collection and disposal
of waste aerosols from other sources or the onward movement to treatment or
disposal; both or which must comply in full with all aspects of the Regulations.
The concessions and derogations been agreed with the Environment Agency in
England and Wales. Since the equivalent Regulations are different in Scotland and
Northern Ireland, SMDSA will now be approaching the Scottish Environment
Protection Agency and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland
to seek similar practical solutions.
Treatment of Healthcare wastes for landfill
SMDSA has worked with the Environment Agency to develop a fact sheet on
‘Treating Offensive or Hygiene Wastes for Landfill’. It is designed to provide
simple guidance to enable producers of eg nappies, feminine hygiene, animal
bedding, dog faeces, and incontinence wastes to meet the pre-treatment
requirements for landfill from 30 October 2007.
SMDSA has sought to encourage best practice in the collection and disposal of
hygiene wastes by promoting segregation at source rather than having these
wastes put in black bags.
Although the Agency suggested withdraw of a previous position accepting the use
of germicides in eg feminine hygiene sanitary bins as meeting the pre-treatment
requirements, the SMDSA has successfully argued that the Environment Agency
had not provided any justification for the withdrawal of this agreement. In
consequence, the use of germicides in sanitary bins continues to meet the
requirements for landfill where they are effective in reducing nuisance (for
example odour).
Grundon Aerosol plant
Grundon Waste Management is now able to offer the destruction and disposal of
aerosols, with total recovery and recycling of their components. The ‘Hazpak’
system, located at Ewelme Transfer Station in Oxfordshire, crushes and compacts
the aerosol cans enabling the separation of the respective products.
■
■
■
The propellants are captured, compressed and used as a support fuel in
Grundon’s own hazardous waste incinerator (see issues 6 and 7).
The liquid products are collected, and can then be recycled, blended as a fual,
The aerosol cans are segregated into metal types, eg aluminium or tin etc,
compacted into scrap metal briquettes, and are then fully recycled.
Cliniserve first
disposal site
Cliniserve are delighted that their first disposal plant is now fully operational in
Littlehampton West Sussex.
Cliniserve has invested in alternative Technology to process the waste at its facility.
A state of the art Steam Sterilisation Autoclave is the preferred method of
treatment. Having passed the rigorous testing regime and agreed protocols we
now have a fully functional processing plant with which we can treat the clinical
waste from various on going contracts, this includes two members of the SMDSA.
The Littlehampton site is currently operating under a WML, Cliniserve will be
investing in a IPPC for the site as soon as time allows this will see an increase from
one autoclave to two.
This will give Cliniserve a bigger capacity to deal with an ever increasing work load
also give Cliniserve the opportunity to offer disposal to third parties.
New factory for plastics
injection moulding up
and running
Launched in November 2006, Craemer UK Ltd, Telford, has completed its first year
of production and the German based parent company is very pleased with the
overall performance of over £9 million. “The starting-up was not without its
difficulties” says Craemer UK’s Corporate Director Clive Hames, “but we’ve
continuously improved the processes and have been rewarded with positive
results.”
The Craemer Group had invested about £9 million into the development of the
new factory. Today, Craemer UK employs over 35 people. The modern building
houses a 550 sq m two storey office, a 1,500 sq m production hall with 430 sq m
ancilliary offices and a warehouse with a ground floor of 2,000 sq m. Equipped
with three state-of-the-art Krauss-Maffei injection moulding machines with
capacities from 1,000 to 2,700 tons Craemer UK mainly focuses on the production
of containers for the environmental industry of the Kliko brand but also
manufactures transport and stacking containers as well as plastics pallets.
Developing through
technology
Compact Power
announces further
developments in
renewable energy
Compact Power is pleased to announce two new strategic partnerships.
An agreement with A.J.Charlton & Sons Limited to establish Charlton Compact
Power Limited as a joint venture to build and operate a biomass to energy facility
at the Charlton Saw Mills at Buckland Down nr. Frome, Somerset. The facility will
convert woodchip from the sawmill and locally grown miscanthus supplied in
collaboration with Bical into heat and power which will be supplied to meet local
demand.
Compact Power has also been selected by Severn Trent Water as a partner for its
sludge and biomass to energy strategy. The appointment follows a detailed review
by Severn Trent of all advanced thermal treatment technologies available on the
market.
Compact Power will work in collaboration with TVD (UK) Limited, framework
suppliers of the DryVac® sludge drying technology, to build and operate plants for
the conversion of sewage sludge and other biomass feedstocks into renewable
energy. Detailed discussions are already underway for the construction of the first
plant which is due to be operational in 2009, with a programme of potential
projects planned for other selected sites.
Both the above schemes will benefit from new incentives proposed under the
Government’s latest Energy White Paper which gives double Renewable
Obligation Certificates (ROCs) to electrical output from pyrolysis and gasification
technologies.
However, the Agency are considering carrying out further research to explore the
effectiveness of these agents, although it has yet to propose a test regime or to
agree the criteria that should be met.
A £2.5 million investment in two technically advanced rotary autoclave (Rotoclaves)
and new buildings at its Thriplow Heath headquarters site is the key to business
development for Vetspeed Ltd.
Future dialogue with the Environment Agency
A key outcome of lengthy discussions between the Environment Agency and
SMDSA (representing the industry) has been an agreement to schedule further
regular meetings to address future issues and matters of policy by working closer
together.
The Agency have acknowledged that this sector may have been overlooked by
them in the past, often unaware of the challenges and problems that have taken
place over last couple of years. SMDSA members now represent an annual income
for the Environment Agency of over £5.5M and as a major stakeholder in the
sector are encouraged by the development of a positive and open relationship
with the Environment Agency.
A copy of the factsheet can be downloaded from our web site:
www.smdsa.com
or by emailing:
admin@smdsa.com.
With almost 30 years experience of treating and disposing of clinical wastes, the
company has opted for intrinsically low-emission technology to meet the demands
of a growing market for such disposal capacity in eastern England.
The way the Rotoclaves work is to use direct steam contact to sterilise clinical
wastes, which can then be separated for recycling. The two units will each treat
500 kg of clinical waste per hour, holding it at a temperature of 141 o C and a
pressure of three bar for at least 20 minutes to achieve a kill rate of 10 6 . Thus
pathogens including fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores are dealt with effectively
and comprehensively.
Throughout the cycle the internal rotating drum spikes and agitates the waste to ensure that steam penetrates the entire load for uniform sterilisation. At the end of the cycle,
the steam is extracted and condensed for re-use and the wastes are dried.
The sterile material is then automatically discharged, shredded to make it unrecognisable and compacted reducing the volume by 85 per cent. Metals can be extracted for
recycling and the residual plastics and cellulose-based element may be used on site as a refuse derived fuel in due course. Processing is supported through continuous digital
monitoring and a high level of automation.
The entire facility, which is highly compliant and permitted by Environment Agency, has been designed to minimise environmental impact and to be fully sustainable. The
technology is safe, reliable, and cost effective and enables Vetspeed to pass on savings to customers.

Dangerous Goods in 2007
New bulk Carriage Requirements and Updated HSE Guidance
Dave Dingle MSc, CEnv, MCIWM, CChem, MRSC
Environmental Controller and DGSA
OCS Group UK Ltd t/a Cannon
The Background
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment
Regulations 2007 (“‘the Carriage Regulations”) came into force on 1 July 2007.
They replace the 2004 Regulations/2005 Amendments and now include the
carriage of radioactive materials. The Carriage Regulations implement ADR 2007
(with a number of exceptions). They refer directly to ADR 2007 and there are some
additional or alternative requirements.
With the United Nations throughness in regular updating of ADR we have come
to expect, ADR 2007 came into force on 1 January 2007. The usual six months
which is allowed for compliance when ADR is replaced has resulted in the 1 July
2007 effective date in updating the Carriage Regulations.
The HSE Carriage of Dangerous Goods Manual which provides guidance to
Enforcement Officers has also been updated as of October 2007 to reflect the
changes in legislation and extensively refers to those affecting clinical waste. In
addition to aspects of compliance, the Manual also provides Guidance on the
apropriateness of Prohibition Notices, when and where they should be deferred
and other enforcement measures. As such it is essential reading for anyone who
has to comply and deal with Enforcement Officers. Details of how to download a
copy from the HSE Web site is detailed below.
The new bulk Carriage requirements
The main changes affecting clinical waste are regarding bulk carriage. When the
five year derogation allowing the carriage of loose clinical waste bags expired on
31 December 2001, there was considerable confusion. This resulted in the
continued carriage of loose clinical bags being permitted in accordance with
Paragraph 7.3.3, Special Provision V V 11 of ADR (continued in ADR 2007), which
states that:
“Carriage in bulk is permitted in specially equipped vehicles and containers in a
manner which avoids risks to humans, animals, and the environment e.g. by
loading the wastes in bags or by airtight connections”
This means that the requirement to carry only loose clinical bags (then classified as
‘bulk’) which are UN approved bags is now firmly set in the legislation and with a
higher specification for the bags. It is understood that on 1 July 2007, only one
Manufacturer had a sack which had been tested to the new specification, although
others may have obtained approval since. It should be noted that in any dangerous
goods classification other than Class 6.2, UN Approved Bags would be classified as
packages and not bulk!
Needless to say, this classification of bulk is already causing problems whereby
some Enforcement officers seem to think that the carriage of loose clinical sacks is
no longer allowed.
The updated HSE Guidance
In light of these changes, and some continuing problems with existing
requirements the updated HSE Carriage of Dangerous Goods Manual is particularly
welcomed. Whilst the Manual is intended to provide guidance to enforcement
officers it is available to all and can be downloaded at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/cdg/manual/index.htm
Specific guidance is given on the issue of vehicles being leakproof by design,
clarifying that in addition to any sealing, steps need to be taken to prevent escape
when doors are opened e.g by a slope on the floor or creation of a suitable ‘tray’.
A typical sealing system applied to a vehicle is shown below opposite.
Unfortunately the segregation of packages and bags is not very well covered,
other than showing an unsuitable load of mixed bags and sharps containers as in
the previous version and referring only to some specialist carriers dividing the
load compartment or using means to ensure that wheele bins are propely secured.
Given that the aspect of vehicles being leakproof was covered in greater detail,
more Guidance would have been useful on this aspect especially as regards the use
of non-rigid dividers, since nets are specifically quoted as an example in ADR.
It is especially pleasing to see that the requirement for only the 2kg fire
extinguisher when carrying infectious substances only has been clarified in this
section (no additional extinguishers being required, as is the case with other
dangerous goods, depending on vehicle size). Although this was in the previous
version, it is also noted at least twice elsewhere in the Manual in Sections relating
to fire extinguishers. As this is an issue which is regularly misinterpreted by
Enforcement Officers, greater emphasis is essential in both the Manual and in
Enforcement Officer Training. Discussions between Member Companies recently
has found that Police Officers record this failure on prohibition notices even when
those specific individual Officers have had it brought to their attention.
The Guidance reiterates the need for proper placarding and plating when carrying
bulk, in that the full size ‘2X/3291/Infectious placard’ plates need to be displayed
on both sides and the rear of the vehicle, but not the emergency telephone
number. Member Companies of the SMDSA have recently clarified with the help
of HSE and Department for Transport that the absence of the telephone number
means that the plate can be made smaller and need not display the plain orange
strip at the bottom of the plate, making it easier to fit on smaller vehicles without
obstructing roller shutter doors. The plate being shorter prevents it projecting
down into the door space and creating a health and safety hazard. Unfortunately
the only picture shown in the Manual does not reflect this, and it is hoped that this
will be effectively communicated to all Enforcement Officers and the pictures in
the Manual updated. As with the fire extingishers problem, the alternative will
undoubtedly be continued problems with Enforcement Officers for having plates
which do not exactly match the picture in the Manual.
Although not new to 2007 Carriage Regulations the requirement for ADR Trained
Drivers is also reinforced for all vehicles carrying bulk clinical waste, as the
exemption for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes ended on 31 December 2006. As the bulk
carriage of waste means that there are no small load threshold exemptions
applying, even one loose bag means a Driver has to be ADR Trained. That of course
can be easily avoided by placing small amounts of bags into rigid containers to
qualify for the small load threshold exemptions for ADR Drivers, placarding/plating
and other requitrements.
Compliance
In describing the Manual, the HSE refer to:
‘Updated guidance on carriage of clinical waste with references to the new parts
of ADR at 7.3.2.6.2. This reflects a number of instances of poor standards
particularly concerning bulk transport of the familiar “yellow bags”, but also
abuses in the way “large packaging” is sometimes used. It also reminds consignors
that non-UN approved “large packaging” should be taken out of use’.
SMDSA Member Companies have largely been pro-active in taking on board these
new requirements, and whilst unplacarded vehicles are seen carrying loose yellow
bags, (and hence possibly without ADR Drivers, sealed vehicles, segregation etc) in
the author’s experience these are usually unmarked vehicles or where identifiable
are likely to be Local Authorities or NHS Trusts.
However a significant new section in ADR 2007 (Paragraph 7.3.2.6.2) provides
much greater details on these requirements from 1 July 2007, expanding
considerably the standards to be met when carrying loose clinical waste bags. The
result is now more than a full page with eight sub-paragraphs of specifications
which now have to be met to supplement the barely three lines of V V 11.
The key requirements are
■ Bags being required to be UN Approved (with the standards they have to meet
having been upgraded to require greater tear and impact resistance than
before)
■ Closed bulk containers (i.e. vehicles) being leakproof by design, with nonporous
interior surfaces free from cracks or other features which could damage
packagings, impede disinfection or permit inadvertent release
■ Securing and segregating rigid packagings and bags if carried together (with
examples being given of rigid barriers or dividers, mesh nets or otherwise
securing such that they prevent damage to the packagings)
■ Prohibition on carriage of any other goods with loose clinical bags, other than
medical or veterinary wastes
■ Inspection for leakage after each journey, to supplement the previous
requirement to throughly clean and disinfect if any wastes have leaked or
spilled
■ Prohibition on carriage of any other goods with loose clinical bags, other than
medical or veterinary wastes
The ‘Common Problems’ section of the Guidance includes 24 separate topics, and
it is notable that the five pages on clinical waste is by far the biggest section
devoted to any one of the problems, nothing else meriting more than a single
page!. In addition to extensively updating the previous guidance on carrying
packages, the issue of bulk is covered much more comprehensively.
Intercare Distribution Services Limited
STUDENTS MAKE THEIR MARK
A twenty five percent increase in turnover this year has triggered Crewe
based Intercare Distribution Services Limited to invite South Cheshire College
to help mark their success.
Sales and Marketing Director Mark Greenhalgh said: “The company has its
roots in Crewe and was set up by director Nigel Parry who still lives in the
town. Based on the way we are growing we wanted to take the opportunity
to put something back into the community and so decided to get involved
with the college.”
As a result of Intercare’s ongoing expansion, students at South Cheshire
College have been given a blank canvas with a commission to add some
colour to the company’s additional new business premises in Marshfield
Bank Employment Park.
CONTINUED FROM COVER
Dave Ballentyne of the college said: “This is exactly the kind of project we
like to take on. This will give first year students on the Design & Graphics and
the Art & Design courses the right commercial experience that they need as
they work towards their National Diplomas. It will also strengthen their
portfolios and CVs before entering the commercial world.”
Stage one of the commission got underway when students from the college
measured up the walls at Intercare’s new premises. Over the following term
they will develop their ideas, based around Intercare’s ethical business
values, before a panel of judges makes a decision for the designs to be
transposed onto Intercare’s walls.
“Our move to the additional new site at Marshfield Bank has come exactly
17 years after we started out in business. There has been a great deal of hard
work put in to get here and the expansion got its final go ahead when the
Environment Agency granted a license for us to operate a Waste Transfer
Station,” explained Mr Greenhalgh.

The Healthcare Waste and Resources
Research (HCWRR) Group
The Sanitary Medical Disposal Services Association is pleased to announce its
involvement in a new and independent healthcare waste research group.
Dr. Terry Tudor – University of Northampton
The Healthcare Waste and Resources Research (HCWRR) Group is an independent
group that focuses on research into the management of healthcare waste in the
UK. The first meeting of the Group was held on Wednesday November 15th, 2006
at the University of Northampton, UK. The University of Northampton undertakes
the administration and hosting of the Group, which is comprised of individuals
from academia, the NHS, industry and consultancies. It is overseen by a steering
committee, with three working groups tasked with undertaking research into the
areas of ‘fundamental’, ‘operational’ and policy’ studies.
The overall vision for the Group is to:
“Work with other agencies/individuals to limit and reverse the quantity of
healthcare waste that is produced in the UK”
The Group aims to:
“Further evidence-based research into healthcare waste management for the
benefit of public health and the environment, and to develop the knowledge,
experience, and training of Group members in the field of healthcare waste
management”
The 2006 – 2007 steering committee is comprised of:
■
■
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■
■
■
■
Dr Terry Tudor - University of Northampton (Coordinator)
Mrs Anne Woolridge – University of Northampton
Professor Philip Rushbrook – University of Northampton
Ms Wendy Rayner – Chair of CIWM Special Interests Group
Dr Chris Cheeseman – Imperial College London
Professor Ed Stentiford – University of Leeds
Mr Martin Foulser – Sanitary Medical Disposal Services Association
Mr Steven Bannister – Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust
During its year of existence, the Group has been able to establish a foundation for
action through the:
■
■
■
Raising of awareness of the need for further research in the UK;
Identification of key areas for research, and submission of project applications;
Building of strong links with organisations in the UK (e.g. the CIWM) and
abroad (e.g. IStAAT).
Guided by its overall vision, and aims and objectives, the Group, will over the
coming year, seek to build on this foundation. Specifically, activities will be focused
on:
■
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Undertaking original evidence-based research;
Hosting seminars to discuss and promote research needs within the fields;
Building and strengthening existing links with similar organisations in the UK
and abroad to share expertise and best practice;
Facilitating postgraduate research in the field;
Continuing to promote the work of the Group and its members primarily
through the publication of articles for academia and industry.
In 2009, the Group is also planning to host an international symposium. This event
will enable networking opportunities for professionals working in the field of
healthcare waste management from across the globe, and serve to promote best
practice in the field.
For further information please contact Dr. Terry Tudor:
healthcarewaste@northampton.ac.uk
Tel: 01604 892398
SMDSA Welcome the
following new members
Vetspeed Ltd
A505 Main Road, Thriplow Heath
Nr Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 7RR
http://www.vetspeed-uk.com
Tel: 01763 208909 Fax: 01763 208885
Contact: Mr Duncan Francis
Duncan.francis@vetspeed-uk.com
Vetspeed’s core business is the efficient, legal collection and disposal of animal and
plant-based wastes for customers in veterinary practice, farming and food production,
environmental and port health, and trading standards. Our expertise covers clinical and
confidential waste, and challenging wastes ranging from condemned meat products to
road kill. Our specialised incinerators will shortly be complemented with two industrial
scale Rotoclaves.
Cromwell Polythene Ltd
Vickers Building, Hurricane Close
Sherburn in Elmet, Leeds LS25 6PB
http://www.cromwellpolythene.co.uk
Tel 01977 686868 Fax 01977 686869
Contact: Mr. James Lee
Amanda@cromwellpolythene.co.uk
We are a leading supplier of refuse sacks, bags and bin liners to councils and the waste
management, healthcare, cleaning and hygiene sectors. Our centrally located
distribution facility provides daily delivery of stock products on our own fleet of
vehicles.
We collect materials like used packaging films, containers, transit packaging, and
process waste, on a back-load basis. They are taken back to our dedicated recycling
facility, for grading, then baling, or granulating before being returned to the
production cycle.
We currently recycle 50% by weight of our total sales.
SMDSA are also pleased to welcome Britcare Ltd as an Associate
Member of the Sanitary Medical Disposal Services Association.
CONTINUED FROM COVER
Griffiths and Nielsen (G&N) secure exclusive
distribution for:
VanishPoint® Retractable Safety
Needle Systems in the UK
VanishPoint® products feature automated retraction. The needle is retracted
directly from the patient into the device. This pre-removal activation virtually
eliminates exposure to the contaminated needle, effectively reducing the risk
of needlestick injury.
VanishPoint® comes in three main formats:
■ Syringes
■ Blood Collection Devices
■ IV Catheters
WASTE BENEFITS OF VanishPoint®
■ Reduces Waste
■ Eliminates Handling Risks
■ Eliminates Needle stick Injuries for
Waste Management Staff
■ Promotes Safety Systems and Procedures
List of Members
continued
Polkacrest Ltd
Platt Industrial Estate
Maidstone Road, Platt,
Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 8JN
http://www.polkacrest.co.uk
Tel: 01732 880910
Fax: 01732 880900
Contact: Mr. Stuart Nurse
Stuart.Nurse@polkacrest.co.uk
Rentokil Initial plc
Felcourt, East Grinstead
West Sussex RH19 2JY
http://www.rentokil-initial.co.uk
Tel: 01342 833022
Fax: 01342 326229
Contact: Ms Dawn Kirby/Mr John Reilly
Dawn.Kirby@Rentokil-Initial.com
Shorrock Trichem Ltd
Chanters Industrial Estate Atherton
Manchester M46 9SD
http://www.shorrocktrichem.com
Tel: 01942 875325
Fax: 01942 870952
Contact: Mr. Paul Allison
enquiries@shorrocktrichem.com
Steriwaste Brandbeat Ltd
Meadow House, Kerswell
Cullompton, Devon, EX15 2ES
http://www.steriwaste.com
Tel: 01884 266666
Fax: 01884 266333
Contact: Mr. David Colgate
info@steriwaste.com
Sulo MGB Ltd
Century Point, Halifax Road
High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3SL
http://www.sulo.co.uk
Tel: 01494 511055
Fax: 01494 511044
Contact: Mr. Damian O’neill
d.oneill@sulo.co.uk
Taylor
Oak Park, Ryelands Lane
Elmley Lovett, Worcestershire
WR9 0QZ
http://www.taylor-ch.co.uk
Tel: 01299 251333
Fax: 01299 254142
Contact: Mr. David Gilletts
custserv@taylor-ch.co.uk
Veolia Environmental Services Ltd
James Road, Tyseley
Birmingham B11 2BA
http://www.veolia.co.uk
Tel: 0121 680 2000
Fax: 0121 680 2051
Contact: Mr. Steve Mitchell
smitchell@veolia.co.uk
Vernon-Carus Ltd
1 Western Avenue, Matrix Park
Chorley, Lancs. PR7 7NB
http://www.vernon-carus.co.uk
Tel: 01772 299927
Fax: 01772 299942
Contact: Mrs Barbara Duxbury
barbara.duxbury@vernon-carus.co.uk
Viridor Waste Management Ltd
Great Western House
Station Approach, Taunton
Somerset TA1 1QW
http://www.viridor-waste.co.uk
Tel: 01823 721400
Fax: 01823 334 027
Contact: Mr. Dan Cooke
dcooke@viridor-waste.co.uk