Recorded webinar: The status of clinical waste collections during COVID-19 and future planning

All presenters wish to express their sincere gratitude to all that attended for their active interest and support in improving the environmental sustainability of our health system.

Watch the entire recording or use the time codes to skip to a specific topic.

Health Purchasing Victoria (HPV)

Health Purchasing Victoria is a state-wide health procurement organisation that negotiates and manages contracts on behalf of Victorian public hospitals and health services. This includes the state-wide waste management contract. 

During the webinar, James Lee, from HPV, presented on the HPV Waste management contract and discussed the current issues being experienced across the network, as well as steps being taken to address these issues and avenues for escalation.

Learn more on the HPV website.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) 

DELWP is a Victorian government department focused on creating a liveable, inclusive and sustainable Victoria with thriving natural environments.

Kim Soo from DELWP presented on the whole of government response to clinical waste during COVID-19 including the establishment of the Waste and Recycling Incident Management Team (WRIMT) as a key measure introduced in April 2020. The WRIMT has been coordinating policy advice and key responses to issues, consulting with industry, identifying risks, collecting data and analysing sector impacts and preparedness.

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) 

The EPA works to protect the environment and human health from the impacts of pollution and waste.

During the webinar, Nathalie Allaz-Barnett, from the EPA presented on the whole of government response to COVID-19 from a regulatory perspective and shared insights into clinical waste in the non-hospital setting.

Learn more on the EPA website, which includes the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Disposing clinical waste guide and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Disposing of PPE at home and in the workplace guide.