I was pleased to learn from Cllr Scott Roche, Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment that as part of the new waste collection and street cleansing contract that Croydon Council is making it easier for residents to dispose of non-infectious, clinical and hygiene waste along with retaining the current collection service for 'sharps'.
Non-infectious clinical waste including, hygiene waste, such as sanitary towels, incontinence pads, catheter bags, stoma bags and nappies do not require a special collection. This waste can be put in a regular black bin bag and into the general waste bin for collection. This is disposed of at the Council's contractor’s energy from waste facility in Beddington where it is processed alongside the general waste. This mitigates the need for residents to have a yellow clinical waste bin publicly presented at the front of their property for collection.
Sharps collection service:
The Council will continue to offer a collection service for sharps including needle and syringes as part of a bookable service. Residents can continue to raise a request for collection via the website or by calling the contact centre.
Hazardous Clinical waste:
In line with the Council's current policy and supporting legislation, the Council does not provide a collection service for infectious or hazardous clinical waste or clinical waste which has been administered by a health care practitioner such as a community nurse. This type of waste is required to be collected separately by the health care provider. In most circumstance the health care provider removes this material at the time of the visit. In circumstances where this is not the case , residents should contact their GP for more information to arrange a collection.
Prior to rolling out these changes, the Council will shortly be contacting all clinical waste customers and advising them on the improved service.
For residents, who have a disability or health condition that means they generate a lot of clinical hygiene waste, they will be eligible for a larger general waste bin. As part of the Council's communication to clinical waste service users, we will be advising them on how to contact the service and how to apply for a larger bin.
Cllr Samir Dwesar
