Detailed analysis of the make-up and sources of waste from HCEs has shown that a major proportion is not initially hazardous, and only becomes hazardous due to mixing with clinical waste. Thus, although almost all of the waste produced by HCEs was considered
hazardous, it is likely that better segregation of waste would have a quick and dramatic impact on lowering the total hazardous waste. In particular, there would be a huge benefit arising from better procedures for dealing with kitchen waste, and for keeping it separate from clinical waste.