A preliminary draft order setting the rules for the collection of medical and pharmaceutical waste has just been submitted to the public consultation procedure. This text, co-signed by the Ministers of Health and Energy and by the Secretary of State for Sustainable Development, determines “who does what” in the various stages of the process of managing these potentially dangerous products. Healthcare establishments will have one year to comply with the provisions of this order after it comes into force. The text identifies the various officials responsible for the internal management of this waste and their duties, and specifies the storage arrangements and duration, which vary from one day to 3 months depending on the waste. Approval from the Ministry of Sustainable Development, issued within 90 days, will be required to operate equipment for treating these products.
