Did you know that every day, we produce around 11 million tons of waste in the UK?
Out of this, sanitary waste accounts for a staggering 7% – that’s around 800,000 tons a year!
Sanitary waste is classified as any waste which is produced as a direct result of human bodily functions or activities associated with them.
This includes items such as nappies, incontinence pads and sanitary towels. If not disposed of correctly, it can pose a serious health risk to both customers and employees.
So what can your small business do to ensure responsible management and disposal of sanitary waste?
The first step is to never flush sanitary towels down the toilet as they are likely to flush the drains, ensure that you have the correct type of sanitary bins in place.
Sanitary bins should be made from durable, easy-to clean materials such as stainless steel or plastic and should have a foot pedal for hands-free operation.
They should also be fitted with a lid to prevent any spillages or odours.
Sanitary waste should never be placed in general waste bins as this increases the risk of exposure to pathogens which can cause serious illnesses such as Hepatis B & C, and HIV.
Once you have the correct type of sanitary bin in place, you need to make sure it is emptied regularly.
The frequency of emptying will depend on the number of users but as a general rule, it should be emptied at least once a week.
Sanitary waste should be disposed of in accordance with:
- The Environmental Protection Act 1990: states that businesses/organisations have a duty of care to responsibly manage the different types of waste they make or keep.
- The Water Industries Act 1991: bins encourage the proper disposal of sanitary waste to prevent it being flushed, damaging drainage and sewer systems.
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: bins are recommended to be available in all female toilets.
Envirotec Hygiene Services is a leading provider of sanitary bin waste services in the UK.
We can help you to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and provide a reliable, efficient service that will keep your premises clean and safe for both customers and employees.
Contact us today to find out more about our sanitary bin services or visit our website for more information on responsible waste management.