Healthcare waste: comprehensive guide to disposal regulations and UN approved packaging.

The healthcare sector is also evolving in waste management. Recently, new regulations on UN approved packaging for hospital waste have been introduced, aiming to improve safety and promote environmental sustainability. This category includes UN approved packaging for hazardous medical waste with an infectious risk, i.e., for all materials, instruments and devices used in medical and hospital settings that, by coming into contact with patients and/or biological materials, present a high risk of pathogen transmission.

Safety: Top Priority

Safety in healthcare waste management is a crucial factor and is a top priority for Overpack as it is critical to protecting healthcare personnel and the environment. New regulations require approved, more durable and tamper-proof packaging to reduce the risk of contamination. Our UN approved packaging is made of puncture- and break-resistant materials with secure closures to prevent accidental spills of hazardous contents such as infectious waste, medical waste and pathogenic waste.

Our labels are clear and legible, indicating the nature of the contents, such as “infectious material” or “infectious waste” to ensure safe handling. New protocols for transporting medical waste include the use of dedicated vehicles and special equipment to avoid contamination during transfer.

Classification and transportation of specimens

The new regulations include classification of hospital waste and transportation of samples. Waste is categorized according to its hazardousness and nature. The transport of medical specimens requires special attention, with triple-layered containers to ensure no leakage or contamination, labeled with information on the risk category of the specimen.

Sustainability: a necessary challenge

Sustainability is a pillar of the new regulations. The healthcare industry must reduce the environmental impact of its waste, which accounts for a significant portion of global hazardous waste. The new guidelines encourage the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials for hospital waste packaging.

Packaging companies are now required to develop innovative solutions that combine safety and sustainability. For example, containers made from compostable materials and reusable packaging have been introduced, which greatly reduce the volume of waste going to landfills and allow for sterilization and safe reuse.

Medical waste, disposal methods

The issue of medical waste management and disposal in Italy has been regulated by Presidential Decree 254/03 in order to protect the environment, public health and carry out effective controls.

In order to achieve this goal, the regulations also provided, among other things, training courses for all personnel involved in the management of waste from public and private health care facilities. The Overpack team specializes in assisting in the classification of your hazardous substances in compliance with current regulations and in the identification or design of the appropriate packaging at our locations or directly at the Client's

Conclusions

The new regulations on UN approved packaging for hospital waste are an important step forward for safety and environmental sustainability. With our innovative materials and safer practices, Overpack is committed to protecting people and the environment, demonstrating that it is possible to combine safety and sustainability requirements. Our single-use containers are suitable for the transport of hazardous medical waste, infectious risk UN 3291, according to regulatory references:

• IATA 65th edition: Chapter 3.6.2.5.2 and Packing Instruction 621;
• ADR 2023: Chapters 2.2.62.1.11, Packing Instruction P621;
• IMDG 2022: Chapter 2.6.3.5 - Packing Instruction P621.

Available in various sizes and equipped with handles for easy movement, cardboard hospital waste boxes are made in compliance with all regulations governing the disposal of medical, biological and infected waste.