Anatomical and specialist clinical waste

Collection of anatomical, laboratory, dental amalgam, gypsum and chemical waste from clinics, labs and vets, routed to the right treatment. UK costs.

In short: Anatomical and specialist waste covers body parts, tissue and placentas in red-lidded containers, plus laboratory cultures, dental amalgam, gypsum casts and chemical waste that each need their own treatment route. It is for hospitals, minor surgery clinics, dental practices, laboratories, fertility clinics and vets. Prices vary widely by stream, and are usually quoted per container after the waste types and volumes are confirmed.

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Anatomical waste includes recognisable body parts, organs, tissue, placentas and blood bags. It goes in red-lidded rigid containers and is incinerated. Specialist streams are less common but carry their own rules. Dental amalgam and extracted teeth with amalgam fillings go in white containers for mercury recovery. Gypsum waste from plaster casts and dental models must be kept separate. Laboratory cultures and microbiological waste may need treating before leaving the site.

Chemical waste from clinics, such as fixers, developers, disinfectants and formalin, has to be assessed for hazards and packed in containers that suit the chemical, never poured away. Veterinary practices produce many of the same streams, coded under chapter 18 02 of the List of Waste. Because specialist streams are produced in small amounts, they are often added to an existing contract and collected less often than routine waste.

What is included

Red-lidded containers for anatomical waste
White containers for dental amalgam and teeth with amalgam fillings
Separate gypsum containers for plaster and dental models
Containers for laboratory, microbiological and culture waste
Assessment and packaging of chemical waste such as formalin and fixer
Correct waste codes for each stream, including veterinary codes
Consignment notes for hazardous streams
Routing to incineration, mercury recovery or specialist treatment

Who it is for

Hospitals, day surgery and minor surgery clinics
Dental practices producing amalgam and gypsum waste
Laboratories and research facilities
Fertility, maternity and specialist clinics
Veterinary practices with anatomical and chemical waste
Funeral and mortuary services with specialist waste

How much does it cost?

As a guide, specialist clinical waste in the UK is usually priced per container, and anatomical, chemical and laboratory waste generally costs more per kilogram than routine clinical waste because of the treatment required. See our full cost guide.

How it works

List the specialist streams

We go through the specialist waste you produce, including chemicals, so each can be assessed and coded correctly.

Supply the right containers

Each stream gets a container that suits its contents and treatment, labelled so it cannot be mixed up.

Collect as needed

Specialist streams are collected on a schedule or on request, often alongside your routine collections.

Treat and record

Each stream is sent to a facility permitted to treat it, with the right consignment paperwork.

Anatomical and specialist clinical waste: FAQs

What goes in a red-lidded container?

Red-lidded containers are for anatomical waste, such as body parts, organs, tissue, placentas and blood bags. The waste must be incinerated. If anatomical waste is also contaminated with chemical preservatives, such as formalin, tell your contractor, as it may need a different code and handling.

How should dental amalgam be disposed of?

Amalgam waste, including capsules, filter contents and extracted teeth with amalgam fillings, goes in a white amalgam container and is sent for mercury recovery. Dental practices also need an amalgam separator on the waste water system. Amalgam is hazardous waste and needs a consignment note in England and Wales.

Why must gypsum be kept separate?

Gypsum, from plaster casts and dental models, can release hydrogen sulphide gas if it is landfilled with biodegradable waste. For that reason it must not be mixed with other waste and should be collected as its own stream. Dental practices and fracture clinics usually keep a dedicated gypsum container.

Do vets have different waste codes?

Yes. Veterinary waste is coded under chapter 18 02 of the List of Waste rather than 18 01 for human healthcare, but the same principles apply. Sharps, infectious waste, medicines, chemicals and anatomical waste are all segregated, and animal carcasses may also fall under animal by-products rules.