DGD14-023
Policy
Health Directorate Waste Management
Policy Statement
To comply with the requirements of:
 the Clinical Waste Act 1990, and the
 Australian Standard 3816 (AS/NZS 3816):1998 Management of Clinical and Related Wastes,
relating to the handling and disposal of waste streams and provision of a safe and healthy
work environment for all employees, contractors, patients and visitors, and
 HB 202 – 2000: A Management System for Clinical and Related Wastes – Guide to Application
of AS/NZS 3816:1998 Management of Clinical and Related Wastes
ACT Health Divisions will follow processes outlined in the ACT Health Directorate Waste
Management Plan.
Compliance requirements include:
 Provision of waste stream guidelines in all areas;
 Provision of the appropriate containers, equipment and systems to support the principles of
reduce, reuse and recycle; and
 Education and training of waste management to staff and contractors about regulatory
responsibilities of waste and environment management principles.
Purpose
The Waste Management Policy and Plan supports divisions to comply with the relevant legislation
and conduct its activities in a manner that will minimise the impact on the environment and
provide a safe and healthy environment for patients, staff and the community.
Scope
This policy applies to all divisions, who, in accordance with the principles of waste segregation and
minimisation, will handle and dispose of waste according to relevant legislative requirements and
standards.
Roles & Responsibilities


The Business and Infrastructure Domestic & Environmental Services Manager is responsible for
the Domestic and Environmental Services contract management, and achievement of agreed
deliverables.
The Domestic & Environmental Services Contractor is responsible for the provision of Domestic
and Environmental Services for ACT Health and meeting the objectives of waste stream
volume and environmental impact.
Doc Number
DGD14-023
Issued
Aug 2014
Review Date
Aug 2017
Area Responsible
B&I
Page
1 of 3
DGD14-023

All staff will comply with this policy for the handling of, and disposal of waste in designated
waste streams.
Evaluation
Outcome Measures
ACT Health is compliant with the requirements of the Waste Minimisation Act 2001, the
ACT Government Waste Management Strategy and AS/NZS:3816, to prevent or reduce waste
generation and harm to people and the environment.
Assurance on Compliance e-System (ACeS) 4.1. Report on compliance of transport and disposal of
clinical waste (environment & waste management).
Method
Compliance assurance is managed and monitored regularly through monthly Contract.
Management meetings and as required by the Domestic & Environmental Services Manager with
the contractor in relation to deliverables expected to be achieved under the contract, such as
systems reporting, to resolve any issues.
Related Legislation, Policies and Standards
Legislation
Clinical Waste Act 1990
Waste Minimisation Act 2001
Radiation Protection Act 2006
Environment Protection Act 1997
Standards
National Occupational Health and Safety Council ‘Storage and Handling of Workplace Dangerous
Goods’ National Standard [NOHSC: 1015 (2001)]
AS/NZS 3816:1998 Management of Clinical and Related Wastes
National Safety & Quality Health Service Standard 3: Preventing & Controlling Healthcare
Associated Infections
Other
ACT Health Waste Management Plan
Environment and Planning Directorate ACTSmart Programs
Definition of Terms
Waste streams different types of waste designated by colour coding or signage and managed
according to specific protocols
Waste stream measurement measurement by weight of each waste type
Doc Number
DGD14-023
Issued
Aug 2014
Review Date
Aug 2017
Area Responsible
B&I
Page
2 of 3
DGD14-023
Staffall staff within ACT Health and external agencies working on behalf of ACT Health,
including, but not limited to, students, contractors and volunteers.
References
The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, the ACHS EQuIP5 Guide 2010
th
Code of Practice for the Management of Clinical and Related Wastes, 6 Edition, 2010
ACT Waste Management Strategy 2011-2025
Attachments
ACT Health Waste Management Plan
Disclaimer: This document has been developed by ACT Health, specifically for its own use. Use of this document and
any reliance on the information contained therein by any third party is at his or her own risk and ACT Health assumes
no responsibility whatsoever.
Doc Number
DGD14-023
Issued
Aug 2014
Review Date
Aug 2017
Area Responsible
B&I
Page
3 of 3