§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Environment Agency has recently relaxed its code governing the treatment of clinical waste derived from hospitals. [51647]
§ Angela EagleClinical waste is defined in Regulation 1(2) of the Controlled Waste Regulations 1992 and, as controlled waste, must be managed and disposed of in accordance with sections 33 and 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Some types of clinical waste are also classified as "Special Waste" and subject to the additional704W controls in the Special Waste Regulations 1996. The Environment Agency are responsible for the administration and regulation of the waste management licensing system, which is designed to ensure that waste is handled in a way which does not harm human health or pollute the environment.
The Environment Agency has not relaxed its current codes governing the treatment of clinical waste. The Agency is, however, carrying out research into the risks associated with clinical waste. The Agency will be taking the emerging results into account in its review of guidance on the handling and management of clinical waste which is being conducted jointly with the Health and Safety Executive. Any changes in recommended practice will be the subject of consultation with interested parties.