Mr Carlo Sagge1
1Far West Local Health District, BROKEN HILL, Australia
Biography:
The author has over five years' experience in infection control and works within a rural and remote health district in New South Wales. As NSQHS Standard 3 lead, he has implemented initiatives to strengthen infection control practices and advance sustainability. He was recently recognised with a Nursing Leadership Award.
Abstract:
Background
Clinical waste management across a rural and remote health district in New South Wales was inconsistent and not fully aligned with current guidelines. Previous accreditation identified gaps including inconsistent waste segregation at source, unsafe transport practices, and variable handling processes, highlighting the need for standardisation and improved compliance.
Aim
To improve clinical waste management and establish a standardised, district-wide system for segregation, collection, transport, and disposal.
Actions
A quality improvement initiative was implemented by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) service following an external clinical waste audit. The project involved stakeholder engagement and collaboration with the contracted waste provider to standardise waste processes across all sites, supported by targeted staff education to improve compliance. Waste segregation posters were developed and waste management embedded into clinical competency frameworks in partnership with education teams. The initiative was integrated into the IPAC sustainability program, including replacing yellow clinical waste bags with reusable bins and expanding curtain recycling across district facilities. Capital works planning was also informed to ensure appropriate waste infrastructure is included in future designs and refurbishments.
Results
Waste collection, transport, and disposal now align with guidelines through contracted services. Clinical competencies and the waste management plan were updated accordingly. Sustainability initiatives have also been extended to smaller facilities across the district.
Conclusion
The initiative improved standardisation in clinical waste management; however, gaps in correct segregation persist, highlighting the need for ongoing education, auditing, and implementation. This demonstrates that ongoing improvement requires continuous monitoring, reinforcement of practice, and strong organisational support to embed change.