One of the main aims of the SMDSA is to raise the standards of operators dealing with sanitary, medical and clinical waste. Since 1993 its membership has risen from the founding members, PHS and Cannon, to over 40 organisations including washroom services, waste carriers, waste disposers, container manufacturers and distributors and consultancy. As well as lobbying government agencies for practical legislation and regulation the members meet regularly to discuss best practice.

To help raise these standards the SMDSA has now launched a new membership category to assist newly formed and small companies...

The SMDSA is the primary trade organisation representing the hygiene and healthcare waste industry. Affiliated to the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) the SMDSA provides a unique forum for debate and the sharing of knowledge and expertise. Membership of the SMDSA is open to any company involved in or supplying products or services to the management of healthcare waste.

Dr Nick Williams – Environmental Advisor – PHS Group plc

Basically, the ‘SA’ refers to ‘Staphylococcus aureus.’ This is a very common bacteria which we all have living in our noses and on our skin as part of our own personal bacterial load. Its commonest effect is to sometimes cause minor infections of skin cuts, etc, the ‘septic’ effect.

Where this bacteria may cause a problem is in hospitals and nursing homes, where the local bacteria may become resistant to some of the more commonly used antibiotics, and so infections can be

The Environment Agency have published a document which considers options for financial provision for sites including clinical waste treatment plants and transfer stations. The discussions centre upon the principle that if operators can demonstrate that they are in a position to make financial provisions, they need not actually set funds aside.