We have many corona test locations throughout the Netherlands, which also means a lot of waste. Used cotton buds and employee protective clothing are often not properly packaged and disposed of. This is evident from inspections by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) at 39 corona test locations, which were carried out between 22 and XNUMX December. At XNUMX corona test sites, this corona waste was not properly packaged and was not disposed of properly. At these locations, the corona waste was simply disposed of with the industrial waste. This is not allowed, this waste must be put in special drums according to the ADR rules or special plastic bags. Special treatment is also required for this infectious waste.

Inspector General of the ILT Jan van den Bos: “We see that knowledge about packaging and disposal of infectious waste is still too often lacking. With our inspections, we signal that the packaging and transport of covid-19 waste really needs to be safer. After our discussions with those involved, this was immediately addressed. ”

Incorrect packaging and disposal of corona waste entails risks. People who are involved in the processing of this waste can become infected with the corona virus. That is why it is very important that the corona test sites adhere to the applicable rules so that this waste can be transported and processed safely. The relevant test locations that did not perform correctly have been addressed for this. The relevant test locations have immediately started working on this. In the coming period, the Inspectorate will continue to closely monitor the corona test locations to ensure that they process and dispose of this waste correctly.

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