Management of Waste Policy and Procedure

NDIS Policies and Procedures Manual – Core Module

Document Number: CM-POL-024

Document Control

This table shows a record of significant changes to the document.

Legal Name:	Holistic Healthcare Management Services
ABN:	20695058096
ACN:	695058096
Primary address/head office:	15 Agasse Way, Tapping WA 6065
Document Name:	NDIS Policies and Procedures Manual – Core Module
Document Number:	CM-POL-024
Approved by:	Director
Date Approved:	February 2026
Version No:	1.0
Comments:	Initial Release of the Policies and Procedures Manual
Next Review Date:	May 2026

Introduction and Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of waste, infectious, and hazardous substances generated during the delivery of supports. The organisation is committed to protecting participants, workers, and other individuals from harm resulting from exposure to waste or hazardous substances, in alignment with legislative and health district requirements.

Scope

This policy applies to all workers, participants, and visitors in settings where supports are delivered. It encompasses all waste management activities, including the handling, storage, disposal, and response to incidents involving infectious or hazardous substances.

Definition

Term	Description
Clinical Waste	Waste that is potentially infectious or poses a health risk, such as sharps, used PPE, or body fluids.
Hazardous Substances	Chemicals or materials that pose risks to health or safety, such as cleaning agents or disinfectants.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)	Clothing or equipment used to protect individuals from exposure to harmful substances, such as gloves, masks, or aprons.
Waste Management Plan	A documented strategy outlining procedures for safe waste disposal and handling.

Outcomes and Indicators

Term	Description
Each participant, each worker, and any other person in the home is protected from harm as a result of exposure to waste, infectious or hazardous substances generated during the delivery of supports.	Policies, procedures and practices are in place for the safe and appropriate storage, handling and disposal of waste and infectious or hazardous substances (including used PPE), and each policy, procedure and practice complies with current legislation and local health district requirements. All incidents involving infectious material, body substances or hazardous substances are reported, recorded, investigated and reviewed. An emergency plan is in place to respond to clinical waste or hazardous substance management issues and/or accidents. Where the plan is implemented, its effectiveness is evaluated, and revisions are made if required. Each worker involved in the management of waste, or infectious or hazardous substances, is trained in the safe and appropriate handling of the waste or substances, including the use of PPE or any other clothing required when handling the waste or substances.

Term

Description

Each participant, each worker, and any other person in the home is protected from harm as a result of exposure to waste, infectious or hazardous substances generated during the delivery of supports.

Policies, procedures and practices are in place for the safe and appropriate storage, handling and disposal of waste and infectious or hazardous substances (including used PPE), and each policy, procedure and practice complies with current legislation and local health district requirements.
All incidents involving infectious material, body substances or hazardous substances are reported, recorded, investigated and reviewed.
An emergency plan is in place to respond to clinical waste or hazardous substance management issues and/or accidents. Where the plan is implemented, its effectiveness is evaluated, and revisions are made if required.
Each worker involved in the management of waste, or infectious or hazardous substances, is trained in the safe and appropriate handling of the waste or substances, including the use of PPE or any other clothing required when handling the waste or substances.

Guiding Principles

Waste Management Practices: Waste management practices will align with legal and health district requirements (Indicator 1).
Incident Management: All incidents involving hazardous substances will be promptly reported, investigated, and reviewed (Indicator 2).
Emergency Plans: Emergency plans will be in place to address clinical waste or hazardous substance management issues, and their effectiveness will be regularly evaluated (Indicator 3).
Worker Training: Workers will receive training in safe waste handling practices, including the use of PPE (Indicator 4).

Policy

Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal of Waste

The organisation will implement robust policies and practices for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of waste and hazardous substances. Waste segregation will be enforced, categorising waste into general, clinical, and hazardous streams. Procedures will specify designated storage areas, appropriate containers, and disposal methods that comply with health standards and local regulations (Indicator 1).

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents involving infectious material, body substances, or hazardous substances will be reported using the organisation’s incident management system. These incidents will be documented, investigated thoroughly, and reviewed to identify root causes and implement preventative measures (Indicator 2).

Emergency Response Plan

A comprehensive emergency plan will be developed to address clinical waste or hazardous substance accidents. This plan will include detailed response procedures, immediate containment strategies, and decontamination measures. Effectiveness evaluations will be conducted after each incident to ensure continuous improvement (Indicator 3).

Worker Training and Competency

Workers involved in waste management will receive thorough training in safe handling practices, including the proper use of PPE and the handling of infectious and hazardous substances. Training sessions will include both theoretical and practical components, with annual refresher courses to ensure ongoing compliance and competency (Indicator 4).

Procedure

Waste Segregation and Disposal

Waste will be classified into general, clinical, and hazardous categories during collection and disposal. Storage areas will be designated, clearly marked, secure, leak-proof, and tamper-proof. Licensed waste management services will handle clinical and hazardous waste disposal under formal service agreements.

Incident Management

Workers will report any incidents involving infectious or hazardous substances promptly. Designated personnel will investigate root causes, and detailed records of all incidents and corrective actions will be maintained.

Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency such as a spill, workers will isolate the affected area, use appropriate PPE and containment kits, and notify emergency services if required. Debriefing sessions will evaluate response effectiveness and update emergency plans.

Worker Training and Monitoring

Workers complete initial onboarding training and annual refresher courses covering waste categorisation, handling, disposal, and emergency response, backed by practical competency evaluations.

Infection Prevention Measures

Workers will use appropriate PPE and follow strict hygiene protocols, including regular handwashing and respiratory hygiene.

Types of Waste

Effective waste management is critical to ensuring a safe, hygienic, and environmentally responsible approach to handling waste generated during mealtime support and medication administration. Proper disposal of waste minimises health risks, prevents contamination, and ensures compliance with infection control, food safety, and pharmaceutical regulations.

General Waste

General waste includes non-hazardous materials such as food packaging, disposable gloves, napkins, and general rubbish. Dispose in designated bins with secure lids, use colour-coded liners, and empty regularly.

Food Waste

Food waste consists of leftovers, expired food, and meal remnants. Discard perishable food immediately after its safe consumption period, store in sealed bins, and separate from general waste.

Pharmaceutical Waste

Pharmaceutical waste includes expired, unused, or contaminated medications. Never dispose of medications in general waste or sinks; return expired or unused medications to a pharmacy for safe disposal and maintain a pharmaceutical waste register.

Sharps Waste (Needles, Syringes, and Lancets)

Dispose of all used sharps immediately in designated, puncture-proof, leak-proof, and clearly labelled sharps disposal containers. Do not overfill beyond three-quarters capacity and arrange collection by an approved medical waste disposal provider.

Infectious or Biohazard Waste

Materials contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or pathogens must be disposed of in designated biohazard bins lined with biohazard bags. Workers must use PPE, and licensed waste disposal services will handle removal.

Chemical Waste (Cleaning Agents, Disinfectants, and Chemical Residues)

Store chemicals in clearly labelled containers away from food and medication areas. Never pour chemical waste down sinks unless permitted; dispose according to manufacturer safety data sheets (SDS) and environmental guidelines.

Best Practices for Waste Reduction and Sustainability

Minimise single-use plastics, encourage meal planning to reduce food waste, implement recycling programs, and educate staff on waste segregation.

Roles and Responsibilities

Ref No	Roles	Responsibilities
1	Board and Senior Management	Approve and oversee the implementation of the waste management policy, ensuring alignment with NDIS standards and health district requirements. Allocate sufficient resources for worker training programs, procurement of PPE and storage solutions, and contracting licensed waste disposal services. Review compliance and address systemic issues identified during audits or incident reviews.
2	Workers	Follow waste management procedures, including proper segregation, handling, and disposal practices. Communicate with supervisors about any challenges, risks, or required updates to waste handling processes. Report all incidents promptly and participate in investigations to support continuous improvement. Engage in training and assessments to maintain competency and comply with organisational standards.
3	Participants and Support Networks	Provide information about specific concerns related to waste management in shared or personal spaces. Follow guidance provided by workers regarding safe waste disposal practices. Collaborate with workers to address issues related to waste management in their living environment.

Record Keeping

Waste Management Records: Maintain logs of waste disposal activities, including dates and volumes, waste types, and service providers.
Incident Reports: Document all incidents involving hazardous substances or infectious materials, actions taken, and preventative recommendations.
Training Records: Maintain detailed records of worker training sessions, attendance, topics covered, and competency assessments.
Emergency Response Plan Reviews: Record results of emergency response drills and changes implemented to improve the plan.
Audit Records: Keep documentation of internal audits, compliance findings, and follow-up actions taken.

References

Relevant local health district regulations
Waste Management Standards (e.g., Australian Standard AS 3816 for clinical waste)
Work Health and Safety Act

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, industry standards, or organisational needs. Feedback from workers and participants will inform updates to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness.