Medical waste is a big deal. Understanding the ins and outs of the medical waste economy is important when considering safety and environmental concerns.
In the United States alone, 3.5 million tons of medical waste are generated each year in the business of medical waste. The healthcare sector is the second largest industry creating landfill waste. This industry includes veterinarians, dentists, optometrists, funeral homes and pharmacies.
There are many types of medical waste. Key categories of waste include regular trash, common medical waste, trace chemotherapy waste, pathological waste and pharmaceutical waste. Additionally, certain categories of medical waste require careful disposal. For example, sharps, such as needles, syringes and scalpels, must be disposed of in a way that will not cause injury or contamination. Improper disposal of sharps can lead to fines of up to $13,653 per violation.
Businesses need several items and procedures in place to effectively process waste. Key materials include proper disposal bins, documentation, safety equipment, storage requirements and partnerships with medical waste disposal companies.
Once medical waste leaves the medical facility, it ends up in one of two places: a landfill or a waste-to-energy facility (WTE). In a WTE, there are two ways to process hazardous materials. The waste can either be processed with steam autoclave, which uses moisture, heat and pressure to inactivate microorganisms, or by burning in a controlled environment.
Utilizing and ensuring efficiency and safety through medical waste disposal services is vital. It can reduce hazards and reduce healthcare costs. Proper waste disposal can also help the economy; efficient disposal could save the United States over $700 million over 5 years. Moving forward, it will be important to prioritize reliable disposal procedures.
Source: Amergy Disposal
