07949 178 558 info@hwma.co.uk

Welcome to HWMA

The HWMA is the trade association for all those working in the healthcare and hygiene waste sector.

Representing a very specialist group of businesses, the HWMA champions issues around policy, regulation, and best practice, aiming to be the principal point of contact for providers, consumers, and regulators of healthcare and hygiene waste services.

The association runs quarterly meetings where members come together, network and debate the critical issues affecting the industry.

Our Members

Membership

Useful Resources

Exec Committee

About Us

The HWMA – Healthcare Waste Management Association – represents a variety of businesses involved in the handling, collection, treatment and disposal of healthcare and hygiene waste material produced across the UK.

Established in 1993 (under its former name the SMDSA) to maintain high standards within the industry, the association is the principal point of contact for providers, consumers and regulators regarding healthcare waste services.

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About Us

The HWMA is committed to proactively improving quality and standards by exploring opportunities, whether they are through science, technology, communication or enhanced community engagement, to improve the provision of information, skills and best practice in all aspects of the industry’s operations

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Latest News From HWMA

March 2025 – 2024 IN REVIEW: A LOOK BACK AT REGULATORY/GUIDANCE CHANGES & HWMA ACTIVITIES/ENGAGEMENT

HWMA Bulletin 2025-LG and AE - 2024 in Review 2024 was a busy year, again, for the healthcare waste sector. The bulletin above summarises changes to legislation, and the...
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12.11.2024: EA launches Waste Charges Consultation

Yesterday, 11 November, the EA launched a consultation focussed on waste crime levy, fees for intervention, waste exemptions, and hourly rates. This is being proposed to address...
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HWMA Sponsors Gold Winner at the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Waste Management

The HWMA were the proud sponsors of the award for 'Best Reduction of Clinical Waste of the Year', which was won by ISS...
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26.07.2024: UK Cross Cutting Guidance – BAT for IED Installations, v2 July 2024

UK Cross Cutting BATc Interpretation Guidance_v2 Final.pdf (environment-agency.gov.uk) This guidance applies to all IED installations in the UK for which BAT Conclusions have...
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10.07.2024: UK ETS Consultation – Expansion to include EfW and Incineration

DESNZ has published a consultation on behalf of the UK ETS Authority, seeking views on the implementation of the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to energy from waste...
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15.03.2024: HWMA Activity & Engagement: 2023 in Review

HWMA Bulletin 2024-AE Activity and Engagement - 2023 in Review This bulletin looks back at 2023, at the activities that the HWMA has been engaged in, and our contribution to...
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22.02.2024 2023 in Review: A look back at regulatory/guidance changes

HWMA Bulletin 2024-LG_Legislation & Guidance - 2023 in Review - web copy Last year was a busy year in the healthcare waste sector, with changes to guidance, several large...
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HWMA Publishes its Alternative Treatment Validation Testing Guide

HWMA_Clinical Waste AT Validation Testing Guide_v1 Oct 2023 The best practice guide aims to bring together the knowledge from members of the Healthcare Waste Management...
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21.06.2023 – EA extends RPS C29 until 31.12.2024 “Managing unused waste COVID-10 Test Kits”

The Environment Agency has extended the expiry date on RPS C29 to 31 December 2024, and added EWC 16 03 06 (off-specification batches and unused products - organic wastes other...
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01/09/2022 – HWMA: Clinical Waste Bags Guidance

The HWMA has produced a guidance document on UN packaging for plastic clinical waste bags.  This is published as an assistive document for buyers and users of clinical waste bags...
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