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Hazardous waste

In this section you can access advice on hazardous waste, including the definition of hazardous waste, duty of care requirements, how to register a premises and record keeping obligations

Background

Hazardous wastes are those that are harmful to people, the environment or animals, either immediately or over an extended period of time, including those that are toxic, carcinogenic, infectious or ecotoxic.

What the BVA has done

We have consulted extensively to produce the BVA good practice guide to handling veterinary waste, not least with the Environment Agency which supports this guide.

A practical guide to assist the veterinary profession to comply with waste regulations in England and Wales this web advice complements the BVA Good practice guide to handling veterinary waste poster and summary advice.

We expect this advice to develop over time. The BVA encourages members to discuss this information with their waste contractor.

Key veterinary waste streams

A typical veterinary practice may produce a wide range of waste. We outline key veterinary waste streams, including an explanation of each stream, what waste containers should be used, what can be placed in these containers, how waste should be classified and described and advice on waste disposal. 

This guide sets out the requirements for hazardous waste such as

It also sets out requirements for non-hazardous waste such as

In addition, this guide briefly examines

Duty of care

All businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure their waste is

  • correctly segregated 
  • stored safely and securely on premises
  • packaged appropriately for transport 
  •  described accurately and fully on the accompanying documentation when removed
  • transferred to an authorised person for transport to an authorised waste site
  • appropriately registered, with necessary records and returns in place

The legal responsibility for waste does not end when waste is collected.  If an omission by the waste producer (veterinary practice) contributes to mismanagement of the waste by another party, then the producer may be held responsible.  It is therefore essential that members discharge their ‘Duty of Care’ - see the ‘Duty of Care’ checklist.

More information

Further information about hazardous waste is available from the Environment Agency 

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