An overview of arisings and large-scale treatment technologies for healthcare waste in the United Kingdom

Terry L Tudor, William K Townend, Christopher R Cheeseman, Jen E Edgar

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper reviews the current generation and management of healthcare waste in the United Kingdom, with a focus on that produced from healthcare provision in the National Health Service. While the current capacities of large-scale off-site treatment systems are adequate, there are a number of logistical factors that must be considered in future. These include variations in arisings from each country and from various regions within each country, the age and location of treatment/disposal facilities, the quantities, types and sources of healthcare waste, and the impact of waste minimization and recycling strategies. Managing UK healthcare waste is a complex issue that requires the correct technologies and capacities to be available. With increasing quantities and costs there is urgent need for future planning, and healthcare waste issues need to be addressed from a UK-wide perspective. Holistic strategies need to incorporate both minimization and segregation, with treatment using a combination of incineration and alternatives treatment technologies. The need for more research and accurate data to provide an evidence base for future decision making is high lighted
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)374 - 383
Number of pages9
JournalWaste Management & Research
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2009

Keywords

  • Hazardous healthcare waste
  • alternative treatment technologies
  • clinical waste
  • hospital waste
  • incineration
  • medical waste
  • thermal treatment
  • wmr 08–0181

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  • Contributing to Best Practice for Waste Management in Europe

    Terry Louis Tudor (Principal Investigator), William K Townend (Principal Investigator), Christopher R Cheeseman (Principal Investigator) & Jen E Edgar (Principal Investigator)

    Impact: Environmental impacts, 06: Clean Water and Sanitation (UN SDG), 13: Climate Action (UN SDG)

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