According to the Health Technical Memorandum, Sections 9.26 and 9.27 define specific treatments and disposal requirements for cytotoxic and cytostatic waste. Any waste that is contaminated with a cytostatic and/or cytotoxic substance should only be disposed of in a suitably authorised facility, which in most cases includes incineration facilities. Sharps receptacles that contain sharps that have been contaminated with cytostatic and/or cytotoxic products are to be disposed of in suitably authorised facilities that specifically accepts cytotoxic and cytostatic waste. It is essential that any facility that produces cytotoxic waste ensure that appropriate containers and receptacles are available. In many scenarios, the terms cytotoxic and cytostatic are often used interchangeably. However, cytostatic medicines and/or drugs inhibit cellular growth and division, while cytotoxic medicines or drugs are literally toxic to cells. Cytotoxic drugs are also known as antineoplastics. Their basic definition defines them as a group of medicines that contain certain chemicals that are toxic to cellular structures, primarily in the prevention of growth or replication. Such drugs are commonly used to treat a number of cancers or other medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of specific labelling of medical waste streams not only provides enhanced identification of where specific wastes belong in regard to disposal, but also ensures that proper protocols for the handling of such waste streams are easily identifiable by healthcare providers or any other person handling that waste. Cytotoxic and cytostatic waste, clearly identified by purple bags or containers, indicates the treatment process and disposal through incineration in an appropriately permitted or licensed facility.

Edition, Morning (April 1, 2011). "Toxic Waste Candy Lives Up To Its Name". NPR . Retrieved April 15, 2015.Knowledge of the difference between healthcare waste streams is vital for compliant segregation and disposal processes. That goes for cytotoxic and cytostatic wastes as well. Cytotoxic drugs are considered hazardous substances and should be handled, stored, and treated as such. Cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines must be handled and disposed of properly, not only to protect employees and patients in healthcare settings, but the general public and the environment as well. Toxic Waste Yellow Drum: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Acid: Citric; Dextrose, Flavourings, Maltodextrin, Acid: Malic; Glazing Agent: Beeswax; Colours; E100, E141, E162

The full ingredients list and instructions are found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. I highly recommend reading the blog post all the way through so that you don’t miss any tips or substitution suggestions and to ensure that you have all the ingredients and equipment required as well as understand the steps and timings involved. Toxic Waste Red Drum : Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Acid: Citric; Dextrose, Flavourings, Maltodextrin, Acid: Malic; Glazing Agent: Beeswax; Colour: E163 The most sour Toxic Waste flavour is either sour apple or watermelon, according to various taste tests. An important resource in determining if particular medicines contain hazardous properties that pose a risk to health can be found in the document published by the Health and Safety Executive titled “Control of Substances Hazardous to Health”. At the end of the document, Schedule One provides a list of some substances that may be deemed carcinogenic. The document also includes information regarding biological agents and their classification, including those that can cause human disease or prove hazardous to healthcare workers.Your containers should be clearly labelled by the manufacturer to identify that they are suitable for and contain cytotoxic and cytostatic waste. Toxic Waste Purple Drum: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Acid: Citric; Dextrose, Flavourings, Maltodextrin, Acid: Malic; Glazing Agent: Beeswax; Colour: E162. You should ensure that your water company or water authority is aware of this issue before discharging any sewage containing cytotoxic or cytostatic waste.