Paragraph 28 - The use of autoclaves to sterilise waste

What the legislation says:

28. The use of autoclaves to sterilise waste, including special waste, as listed in Table 4C, at the place where the waste is produced, if–

(a) the autoclaves have a capacity of no more than 3 cubic metres,

(b) the autoclaves are accredited by the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency,

(d) where the waste is special waste, it is so sterilised as part of, or as a preliminary to, a recovery operation.

Table 4C
Codes*	Types of waste
Wastes from natal care, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease in humans (18 01)
18 01 01	Sharps (except 18 01 03)
18 01 02	Body parts and organs including blood bags and blood preserves (except 18 01 03)
18 01 03**	Wastes whose collection and disposal is subject to special requirements in order to prevent infection
18 01 04	Wastes whose collection and disposal is not subject to special requirements in order to prevent infection (for example, dressings, plaster casts, linen, disposable clothing, diapers)
18 01 06**	Chemicals consisting of or containing dangerous substances
18 01 07	Chemicals other than those mentioned in 18 01 06
18 01 08**	Cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines
18 01 09	Medicines other than those mentioned in 18 01 08
18 01 10**	Amalgam waste from dental care

* Codes referred to in the European Waste Catalogue.
** Includes special waste.

Registration Requirements:

Needs to be registered with SEPA but no fee is required. Where waste is being stored at the place of production, the activity does not have to be registered.

This exemption can be registered online.

However, establishments and undertakings can still use the paper form should they wish. This form should be sent to the Registrar at your local SEPA area office (addresses are given on the form)

The following questions and answers are provided to help you further understand this exemption:

Q. How long will the registration last? Will it require renewal at any time?
A. The registration of this exemption is not time limited but it can be de-registered by SEPA if it is not managed properly and no longer fulfills the criteria requirements of the exemption or if the activities cause pollution or harm to health. If the activity does comply with the exemption criteria the registration will not have to be renewed except where there is a significant change to the activity.