KNOWLEDGE BASE
POLICY
Waste Management Policy
Document No:
POL-012
Version:
1.0
Approved by:
Management
Effective Date:
30/06/2026
Review Date:
30/06/2027
Purpose
This policy outlines the requirements for the safe handling, segregation, storage, and disposal of waste generated during service delivery at Bodyfocus Wellness Centre.
The purpose of this policy is to minimise risks to patients, employees, contractors, visitors, and the environment while ensuring compliance with applicable waste management, infection control, and workplace health and safety requirements.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, students, and other persons undertaking activities on behalf of Bodyfocus Wellness Centre.
This policy applies to all waste generated during clinical and non-clinical activities.
Policy Statement
Bodyfocus Wellness Centre is committed to the safe and lawful management of waste generated through clinical, administrative, and workplace activities.
All waste must be appropriately identified, segregated, stored, and disposed of according to its classification and associated risk.
Employees and contractors are responsible for ensuring waste is disposed of in the correct receptacle and that waste handling activities do not create unnecessary risk to people or the environment.
Waste Categories
General Waste
General waste includes:
Paper
Packaging
Food waste
Non-contaminated disposable items
Office waste
General waste must be disposed of in designated general waste bins.
Clinical Waste
Clinical waste includes waste contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious material generated through clinical procedures.
Examples include:
Blood-contaminated dressings
Procedure packs
Contaminated disposable materials
Clinical treatment waste generated during nail surgery procedures
Clinical waste must be disposed of in approved clinical waste containers and managed by an approved waste contractor.
Sharps Waste
Sharps include any item capable of puncturing or cutting skin.
Examples include:
Needles
Syringes
Scalpel blades
Dry needling needles
Lancets
Sharps must be disposed of immediately following use into an approved sharps container.
Sharps must never be placed into general waste or clinical waste bags.
Sharps containers must be replaced before reaching the manufacturer's fill limit.
Pharmaceutical Waste
Expired, damaged, or unused pharmaceutical products must be managed according to applicable legislative and supplier requirements.
Pharmaceutical waste must not be disposed of in general waste unless specifically authorised.
Storage and Disposal
Waste must be stored in a manner that:
Prevents unauthorised access.
Prevents leakage, spillage, or contamination.
Minimises infection and injury risks.
Complies with local waste collection requirements.
Clinical waste and sharps disposal services must be provided through appropriately licensed contractors.
Spill Management
Employees and contractors must immediately report and manage spills involving:
Blood
Bodily fluids
Clinical waste
Sharps
Spills must be managed using appropriate infection control procedures and personal protective equipment.
Incidents involving exposure, injury, or contamination must be reported in accordance with the Incident Management Policy.
Responsibilities
Management
Management is responsible for:
Providing appropriate waste disposal infrastructure.
Ensuring clinical waste and sharps collection services are maintained.
Providing staff training.
Monitoring compliance with this policy.
Employees and Contractors
Employees and contractors are responsible for:
Correctly segregating waste.
Using designated waste containers.
Reporting damaged or overfilled waste containers.
Following infection control requirements.
Reporting incidents, hazards, and spills.
Training
Waste management requirements form part of staff induction and ongoing workplace health and safety training.
Training records must be maintained in Deputy or another approved training management system.