The Requirements
Before introducing our new intelligent feminine hygiene service, a few words…
The Environmental Protection Act of 1990 states that you have a ‘Duty of Care’ when disposing of sanitary waste.
On 1st January 1966, Workplace Regulations came into full effect,
including the statement that ... "in the case of WCs used by women,
suitable means should be provided for the disposal of sanitary
dressings". This applies to all commercial premises within the UK. You must ensure that this kind of waste is disposed of in
the proper manner, i.e. not sent to ordinary landfill sites, when the
amount of waste is above what an ‘ordinary household’ might produce.
There is no specific style or ‘regulation’ container although it
must be lidded, and pedal operated is preferred by H&S or EHO
officials. It should be suitably placed / sized / designed so as not to
cause contamination / offence / confusion with other waste receptacles,
such as those designed for disposal of hand towels. You should consider
any risk to children.
A clean, good-looking design of sanitary waste bin, of
appropriate size and colour tone, though unmistakable for its intended
use, will prove infinitely more acceptable with your décor, will help
control odour and safely hide contents.
Ignoring the ‘Duty of Care’ requirements could be expensive. Breach of the regulations is now a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to £2,000 on summary conviction.
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