What is Waste

The University produces a multitude of wastes including general refuse, special and clinical waste, all of which is collectively known as commercial waste. Commercial waste is identified as waste arising from premises, which are used wholly, or mainly for trade, business, sport, recreation or entertainment.

But what actually is waste? The definition of waste given in the Waste Framework Directive (75/442/EEC) is:

“any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard”

General refuse is produced on a daily basis and can include food scraps, paper, cardboard, packaging and garden material. According to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency special waste is so called because it has hazardous properties that may render it harmful to human health or the environment.  Examples of wastes classed as Special Waste include asbestos, fluorescent tubes, waste electrical equipment and batteries.

Clinical waste is more likely to be produced in laboratory areas and also covers sanitary bins within toilets. It is defined by the Controlled Waste Regulations as

“any waste which consists wholly or partly of human or animal tissue, blood or other body fluids, secretions or excretions, drugs or other pharmaceutical products, swabs or dressings, syringes or needles and other sharp instruments, being waste which unless rendered safe may prove hazardous/infectious to persons coming into contact with it”

There is a wealth of information available on the types of waste, see the links page for more information.

All waste has to be disposed of through a licensed waste contractor and at a licensed treatment facility. This is a legal requirement. Details of all the legislation applicable to waste can be found in the waste legislation section.

For further, more detailed information on waste categorisation and waste descriptions in relation to the European Waste Catalogue, please click here.