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Sanitary waste obligations for businesses

This guide outlines the regulations and legal obligations for businesses in the UK that generate sanitary waste. Below is a summary of the key obligations for businesses:

According to workplace regulations, sanitary waste bins must be provided in staff and public toilets.
If your business generates more than 7kg (approximately one full bin bag) of sanitary waste per collection cycle, you must arrange a separate sanitary waste collection.
If your business generates less than this amount, the sanitary waste can be disposed of with general business waste.

We also offer an overview of best practices for placing sanitary waste bins, as well as for storing and arranging sanitary waste collections.

What is sanitary waste?

Sanitary waste is a type of offensive waste that primarily consists of hygiene products, including:

Sanitary pads and tampons
Adult and baby nappies
Incontinence pads
Cotton swabs and wipes

While offensive waste may be unpleasant and can ‘offend’ those who come into contact with it, it is unlikely to transmit pathogens.

Sanitary waste can be classified as commercial waste or household waste, depending on whether it is generated at home or by businesses.

Legal requirements for sanitary waste

The legal requirements for how UK businesses collect, store, and dispose of sanitary waste are outlined in the following pieces of legislation:

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

These workplace standards require employers to provide adequate and suitable sanitary facilities for employees and visitors.

These standards implicitly address women’s hygiene needs, including providing sanitary waste bins in all staff and public toilets.

Source: Legislation.gov.uk – Workplace Regulations

Water Industries Act 1991

The Water Industries Act prohibits the discharge of materials into sewers that are likely to cause blockages or damage, including sanitary products.

The best way to prevent sewage blockages at your business is to provide a sanitary waste bin in all bathrooms.

Source: Legislation.gov.uk – Protecting the sewerage system

Controlled Waste Regulations 2012

The Controlled Waste Regulations provide detailed guidance on how different types of waste are categorised and managed.

Sanitary waste is described as offensive, non-hazardous waste under this legislation. The rules for its disposal are as follows:

If you generate more than 7kg of offensive waste or have more than one bag per collection period, you must segregate it from general business waste and arrange a separate collection.
If you generate less than this amount, you can include sanitary waste in your general business waste bin.

Source: gov.uk – healthcare and related wastes

Best practices for sanitary waste management

The following best practices for sanitary waste management go beyond the strict legal requirements to promote a hygienic workplace environment while minimising the environmental impact of commercial waste.

Sanitary waste bins

Best practice involves providing sanitary waste bins in all bathrooms, ensuring the bins are:

Pedal-operated or equipped with sensors for automatic opening.
Easily accessible and clearly labelled.
Sufficiently large and emptied regularly.

Sanitary waste storage

The best practice for storing sanitary waste before collection is to collate the waste from individual bathrooms into a dedicated commercial waste bin labelled “offensive waste.”

Store the bin in a cool, well-ventilated area that prevents unauthorised access but remains accessible for regular collections.

Arrange collections

Engage a certified waste management company that provides dedicated sanitary waste collection services.

Sanitary waste collection providers will issue your business with an annual waste transfer note, enabling you to demonstrate compliance with commercial waste regulations.

Sanitary waste collections transport the waste to a local incinerator, diverting it away from landfill and reducing its environmental impact.

Visit our page on sanitary waste collection for more information.

The importance of proper sanitary waste management

This section highlights the key reasons for properly managing sanitary waste in a business environment.

Health and safety

Although sanitary waste is not considered hazardous waste due to its non-infectious nature, it can still harbour harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. Proper disposal minimises the risk of exposure, maintains hygiene, and protects the health of employees and the public.

Regulatory compliance

The regulations for sanitary waste management are enforced by devolved environmental agencies. Proper sanitary waste management is essential to avoid penalties from these enforcement bodies.

Environmental protection

Proper disposal practices prevent sanitary waste from contaminating the environment. By segregating waste and arranging for its separate collection, the risk of pollution is minimised, supporting sustainable waste management practices.

Public hygiene

Maintaining clean and odour-free restrooms and facilities is essential for public hygiene. Proper sanitary waste disposal prevents unpleasant odours and reduces the risk of pest infestations, ensuring a pleasant and safe environment.