§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the cost to the NHS of making rigid containers for clinical waste mandatory. [63162]
§ Mr. MilburnIt is not possible to estimate the cost to the National Health Service of making rigid containers for clinical waste mandatory.
The requirement to provide rigid containers for clinical waste results from a European Community Directive. The Directive only applies where clinical waste is transported on public road or rail. This is then the responsibility of the waste contractor. However, if the contractor is faced with increased costs to replace containers, this is likely to be reflected in the contract price charged to the trust. Industry is looking into whether their existing systems meet these requirements. The outcome of this is awaited.