The European Biosafety Network (EBN) has published a new white paper examining the role of closed-system disposal devices (CSDDs) and airtight sealing in protecting healthcare workers from exposure to Hazardous Medicinal Products (HMPs) during waste handling and disposal.
Drawing on European legislation, regulatory guidance and international evidence, the paper highlights a significant gap in current practice, with hazardous waste often excluded from containment strategies used elsewhere in the medicines lifecycle.
As a result, exposure risks extend beyond clinicians to porters, cleaners, waste handlers and other ancillary staff, many of whom may have limited training or awareness of the hazards involved.
Josh Cobb, Secretary of the European Biosafety Network, said: "Hazardous waste disposal is one of the most overlooked stages in the lifecycle of hazardous medicinal products."
"European regulation is clear that exposure must be prevented across the entire lifecycle, including waste handling."
"The evidence shows that when waste is not sealed at source, hazardous residues spread beyond clinical areas and expose workers who are rarely considered in safety planning."
"Properly engineered closed-system disposal devices and airtight sealing are among the most effective and practical measures employers can take to protect their entire workforce."
Fred Massoomi, BCSCP, FASHP, added: "The safe handling of hazardous medications encompasses the entire lifecycle of the product, from initial drug formulation to validated disposal methods designed to ensure public and clinical safety."
Dr Paul Sessink, founder and Managing Director of Exposure Control Sweden AB, said: "This new white paper from the European Biosafety Network covers a key issue."
"In general, little attention is paid to potential exposure from hazardous pharmaceutical waste."
"It is important to stress that in addition to compounding and administration of hazardous drugs, waste should be discarded closed."
"The whole lifecycle should be closed, including waste handling."
Since February 2024, the revised Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (EU) 2022/431 has strengthened employers’ obligations to prevent exposure to hazardous medicinal products across their entire lifecycle, including waste handling and disposal.
Where HMPs cannot be eliminated or substituted, the Directive requires their use and handling within closed systems, following a risk assessment, including waste disposal.
The white paper was developed in response to growing concerns that compliance efforts have focused heavily on drug preparation and administration, while waste handling has been overlooked.
The white paper sets out the following points:
- The scale of occupational risk created by hazardous medicinal waste and the current disposal gap,
- The regulatory and legal framework governing closed systems under EU law,
- The role of closed-system disposal devices (CSDDs) as an evidence-based control measure,
- Health and safety risks for clinical and non-clinical staff,
- Practical implementation, usability and workflow considerations,
- Environmental and sustainability implications of improved waste containment.
A significant share of oncology-related waste contains HMPs or residues from their use, including cytotoxic drugs.
These substances are classified as carcinogenic (causing cancers), mutagenic (mutating genes) or reprotoxic (affecting reproductive systems) and can remain biologically active long after treatment.
Despite growing awareness of HMP risks, the specific dangers created by inadequate waste handling and disposal remain under-recognised.
Many healthcare settings still rely on open or semi-open waste containers that allow hazardous residues to escape, exposing staff.
CSDDs and airtight sealing consistently reduce exposure risks by safely containing waste throughout handling, transport and storage.