Managing Medical Waste Strategies for Responsible Disposal
Managing Medical Waste Strategies for Responsible Disposal. Healthcare facilities do have strategies in place for the proper disposal of medical waste. In this article, we’ll discuss what medical waste is, the categories of medical waste, the health risks associated with unmanaged medical waste, strategies for managing medical waste, and the benefits of hiring a medical waste disposal company.
What is Medical Waste?
Medical waste does not have a universal accepted definition, after the medical waste tracking act of 1988 ended, the government stepped out and let the states define what is medical waste and how to manage it. The US EPA did create the Model Guidelines for State Medical Waste Management but ultimately it was up to the state governments to define the program.
That said, generally, medical waste is healthcare waste that that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious materials and is often referred to as regulated medical waste.
Health Risks of Unmanaged Medical Waste
Unmanaged medical waste can pose serious health risks to people, animals, and the environment. Sharps, for example, can cause puncture wounds or cuts if not disposed of properly. Pharmaceuticals can leach into the soil and water supply if not disposed of correctly, potentially leading to contamination of drinking water and soil. Additionally, medical waste can attract animals and insects, which can spread disease or cause injury. In order to protect people, animals, and the environment, it is important to properly manage medical waste.
Strategies for Managing Medical Waste
There are several strategies that can be used to manage medical waste. The following strategies are bullet points of more in-depth topics.
- Understand the Laws and Regulations for Your Area
- Training for Identifying Different Types of Medical Waste Your Facility Generates
- Compliance Training
- Understand The Color-coding System
- Personal Protection Equipment
- Segregate Medical Waste at The Point of Generation
- Use Appropriate Containers
- Do Not Overfill Containers
- Labeling and Packaging of Medical Waste
- Understand Generator’s Onsite Storage Requirements
Benefits of Hiring a Medical Waste Company
Hiring a medical waste company can provide numerous benefits for healthcare facilities. A medical waste company can provide a safe and secure way to dispose of medical waste, as well as provide specialized services such as autoclaving, incineration, and chemical treatment. Additionally, a medical waste company can provide expertise in the proper handling, storage, and disposal of medical waste, as well as provide training to staff on the safe handling and disposal of medical waste.
Hiring a medical waste company can also help healthcare facilities reduce costs associated with medical waste disposal. A medical waste company can provide cost-effective solutions for the treatment and disposal of medical waste, as well as provide services such as waste audits and waste minimization strategies.
Experience the Bio-MED Difference – a medical waste company that provides comprehensive services for the safe and compliant disposal of medical waste, with our own medical waste treatment plant and shredding plant we have you covered.
Our cradle-to-grave management process, reusable medical waste and sharps disposal containers, fuel efficient trucks including an all-electric medical waste transport vehicle and intelligent routing are all examples of our commitment to our customers and the environment.