The aim of this summary is to help optometrists by setting out the various categories of waste that they may produce and outlining how these must be disposed of.

Optometrists produce a variety of waste. This will include waste similar to that produced by offices or retail premises, as well as waste that is sector-specific such as used or time-expired drugs and used or timeexpired medical devices such as contact lenses or solutions. 

All waste producers have a legal ‘duty of care’ to ensure that their waste is disposed of properly. 

The aim of this summary is to help optometrists by setting out the various categories of waste that they may produce and outlining how these must be disposed of.