Requirements

The environmental health department states anything that comes into contact with bodily fluids (blood, plasma, mucus, semen, etc.) that cannot be sterilised must be treated as hazardous waste. Acupuncture waste is considered bio-hazard material, this means you cannot dispose of it into normal waste streams.Materials and equipment used by acupuncture that qualify as hazardous waste (after use) and cannot be sterilized include (but are not limited to):

• Acupuncture needle sharps
• Protective gloves & aprons
• Cotton swabs
• Paper towels, couch rolls
• Ink caps and leftover ink

Download PDFs:

British Acupuncture Council Code of Safe Practice

The Society of Chiropodists Disposal Waste

Health & Safety: SKIN PIERCING

Safe management of healthcare waste

Sharps Health & Safety Information

Hazardous Property Assessment