The management of special waste is an issue of fundamental importance for tattoo artists and tattoo studios. In particular, needles and other material used during tattoo sessions fall into the category of special hazardous waste of sanitary origin. This waste requires specific treatment and careful management to avoid the risk of contamination and comply with current legislation.
Why are tattoo needles considered special waste of sanitary origin?
The needles used by tattoo artists come into direct contact with body fluids, mainly the blood of clients, during each session. This contact makes the needles potentially infectious, classifying them as hazardous medical waste. They cannot be treated as common waste, as the risk of infection or contamination requires proper handling and disposal. Consequently, used needles must be disposed of according to precise regulations governing medical waste at risk of infection.
Special waste in the tattoo sector: the CER legislation
The main reference code for waste produced in tattoo studios is CER 18.01.03. This code identifies medical waste at risk of infection that requires special attention during disposal. In detail, needles and all the material used during a tattoo session, which came into contact with blood or other biological fluids, falls into this category.
Among the waste that must be managed carefully we find:
- Needles: After use, they should be placed in special rigid sharps containers, which are designed to prevent accidents such as accidental punctures.
- Gloves, gowns, dirty paper and disposable materials: These materials, although not sharp, must be disposed of as medical waste with a risk of infection.
Management and disposal of special waste: mandatory procedures
To ensure safe and legally compliant disposal, tattoo artists are required to follow some basic procedures:
- Disposal in authorised plants: The waste produced must be delivered only to facilities authorised for the disposal of special hazardous waste.
- Transport form: Before sending the waste for transport, it is mandatory to fill in the waste identification form (FIR).
- Autonomous management or through specialized companies: Each tattoo artist can decide to manage the disposal process independently or rely on specialized companies, such as Eurocorporation.
Temporary storage and disposal times
It is possible to carry out temporary storage of waste at its headquarters. However, it is important to respect the timeline: waste must be sent for disposal within 30 days of closing the collection container.
Exemption from the keeping of the loading-unloading register for tattoo artists
Tattoo artists are exempt from the obligation to keep the loading and unloading register, even if they produce special hazardous waste.
Needle and sharps waste containers: a key aspect of safety
The use of rigid plastic containers for used needles is mandatory, designed to hold sharp objects and minimize the risk of accidents.
Responsibility and prevention: a must for every tattoo studio
The management of special waste in tattoo parlors is not only a matter of regulatory compliance, but also of responsibility towards public health and the safety of personnel.
In conclusion, the management of special waste in tattoos, in particular of used needles, requires attention, competence and compliance with current regulations. Relying on specialized professionals, such as Eurocorporation, is the best choice to ensure correct and compliant disposal.
FAQ
Why are the needles used by tattoo artists considered special waste?
The needles used by tattoo artists come into contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, making them potentially infectious. This classifies them as hazardous medical waste.
Which materials used by tattoo artists must be disposed of as special waste?
In addition to needles, all materials that come into contact with blood or other body fluids should be disposed of as medical waste with a risk of infection.
How should the needles used in tattoos be disposed of?
The needles must be placed in special rigid containers for sharp objects and disposed of at authorized facilities.
What are the timelines for the disposal of special waste in tattoos?
Tattoo artists have up to 30 days to properly dispose of the materials at authorized facilities.
Are tattoo artists obliged to keep a register of waste loading and unloading?
No, tattoo artists are exempt from the obligation to keep the register of loading and unloading of waste.
Who can I contact for the management of special waste in my tattoo studio?
You can contact specialized companies such as Eurocorporation for the management of special waste.
