Infectious clinical waste collection

Orange and yellow bag infectious waste collected from surgeries, clinics and care homes, segregated for the right treatment route. Typical UK costs.

In short: Infectious clinical waste is waste contaminated with blood or body fluids from someone known or suspected to have an infection, such as soiled dressings and swabs. It goes in orange bags for alternative treatment, or yellow bags where it must be incinerated, usually because medicines or chemicals are present. Infectious waste bins typically cost around £15 to £60 per lift in the UK, depending on bin size and treatment route.

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Infectious waste is hazardous waste, coded 18 01 03* for human healthcare, and needs careful handling from the point it is produced. Orange bag waste can be made safe by alternative treatment, such as high-temperature steam or other heat processes, and then recovered or disposed of. Yellow bag waste must be incinerated because it contains, or may contain, medicines, chemicals or material not suitable for alternative treatment.

Many producers send far more waste down the infectious route than they need to. Gloves, aprons and pads with no known infection risk usually belong in offensive tiger bags, which cost less to treat. A proper assessment of what goes where keeps you compliant and lowers your bill. We supply the right bags and lockable wheeled bins, collect on a schedule that suits your volumes, and issue a consignment note for each collection.

What is included

Orange and yellow clinical waste bags of the right strength
Lockable wheeled bins or carts for secure storage
Advice on what belongs in infectious and what can go in offensive waste
Scheduled collections weekly, fortnightly or monthly
Correct waste codes for orange and yellow streams
Hazardous waste consignment note for each collection
Treatment by alternative treatment or incineration as required
Support for pre-acceptance audits where your contractor needs one

Who it is for

GP surgeries, walk-in centres and private hospitals
Nursing homes caring for residents with infections
Dental practices and minor surgery clinics
Wound care, podiatry and treatment rooms
Laboratories handling blood and body fluid samples
Veterinary practices with infectious animal waste

How much does it cost?

As a guide, infectious waste collections in the UK typically cost £15 to £60 per bin lift, with yellow incineration-only waste usually costing more than orange alternative-treatment waste. See our full cost guide.

How it works

Assess your waste

We look at what you produce and where it comes from, so infectious waste is only used where there is a genuine infection risk.

Set up bags and bins

Orange or yellow bags and lockable bins are supplied for each area that produces waste, with clear guidance for staff.

Collect and swap

Bins are emptied or swapped on a schedule that keeps storage safe and prevents overfilling.

Treat and document

Waste goes to a permitted facility by the right route, and you receive a consignment note for your records.

Infectious clinical waste collection: FAQs

When is waste infectious rather than offensive?

Waste is treated as infectious when it comes from a patient or resident known or suspected to have an infection, or when a clinical assessment says there is a risk of infection. Waste from people with no known infection, such as gloves, aprons and incontinence pads, is usually offensive waste instead. The person producing the waste, often the clinician, makes the assessment.

What goes in yellow bags rather than orange?

Yellow bags are for infectious waste that must be incinerated, such as waste contaminated with medicines or chemicals, or certain laboratory and anatomical items. Orange bags are for infectious waste that can go to alternative treatment. If medicines are present, the waste should not go in orange bags, because alternative treatment does not destroy them.

How should infectious waste bags be stored?

Bags should be no more than about three-quarters full, sealed with a swan-neck tie or tag, labelled with where they came from, and placed in a rigid, lockable bin. Bins should be kept in a secure area that the public cannot reach, away from general waste. Never compress bags or carry them against your body.

Does infectious waste need a consignment note?

Yes. Infectious clinical waste is hazardous waste, so in England and Wales each collection needs a hazardous waste consignment note, kept for at least three years. Scotland uses special waste consignment notes and Northern Ireland has its own hazardous waste rules.