Regulated Medical Waste Articles and Resources

Medical Waste

Regulated Medical Waste Articles and Resources

Does thinking about all the types of regulated medical waste give you a headache? This collection of articles will ease the pain. We’ll answer common questions about medical waste and provide the background information you need to understand the requirements for safe handling, transportation, and disposal.

Tired of reading technical journals? Start with these three infographics instead. They’re informative, user-friendly guides that discuss the history of medical waste disposal in the United States, highlight 10 important facts about medical waste compliance, and discuss the dangers of improper disposal of medical and pharmaceutical wastes.

Yes, there’s a lot to learn about healthcare related wastes, and it’s all important! For example:

Do you understand the difference between biohazardous waste and regulated medical waste? States use different definitions and classifications.
What goes into that red biohazard bag – and what does not? Proper waste segregation saves money and helps you avoid regulatory fines and actions.
What happens to regulated medical waste after it leaves your facility? You’re liable if your disposal company doesn’t follow proper regulations for medical waste transport and treatment. Make sure your regulated medical waste disposal provider offers these six essential services.
How and why do state medical waste regulations differ? One of the most important requirements in some states is the need to register as a medical waste generator. Find out if your state is one of them.
How do you offer safe needle disposal in public places? Your business could be liable if your employees or customers are injured by discarded syringes or sharps.
Who is managing your medical waste? Only properly trained persons at the generating facility should package, label, and sign the tracking form for the waste shipment.
How can self-injectors safely dispose of needles and help prevent needlestick injuries? These injuries aren’t just dangerous; they’re expensive to treat.

All healthcare facilities have to deal with regulated medical waste disposal. For example:

Dental offices: RMW produced in dental offices includes dental carpules and sharps, red bag wastes, and dental amalgams that contain toxic heavy metals.
Medical spas (MedSpas): These facilities may be a hybrid of a spa and medical clinic, but the medspa industry must comply with medical waste disposal regulations. Almost all generate medical sharps waste, while some also generate pharmaceutical waste. Does your medspa staff understand the requirements?
Veterinary hospitals: Yes, Fido and Fluffy get shots, have operations, and take medications just like we do. Veterinarians must protect their staff and communities and comply with regulations for safe disposal of pet needles, syringes, and medications.
Retail pharmacies: More and more, people get routine vaccinations at their pharmacy instead of their doctor’s office. Pharmacies must implement safety programs to prevent needlestick injuries and safely dispose of sharps waste.

Medical waste and the accompanying government directives make working in this industry complicated and highly regulated. At Sharps Compliance, we try to lessen the stress by providing educational articles so you can better perform your job.

by Kathryn Kane-Neilsonpublished May 4, 2022

Regulated Medical Waste Disposal Solutions for Schools

K-12 schools may generate a variety of regulated medical wastes (RMW) in their on-site health clinics and from staff/student need for EpiPens and diabetes management devices. These wastes shouldn’t be mixed with regular trash or placed in recycling containers. Instead, they must be disposed of according to federal, state, and local regulations.
Read More

by Kathryn Kane-Neilsonpublished April 20, 2022

National Infant Immunization Week

When the COVID-19 national emergency was declared in March 2020, many families dutifully followed stay-at-home orders. However, this led to a near immediate and notable decrease in routine childhood vaccinations, per the CDC. Two years later, the 2022 National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is focusing on ensuring families get back on track (and stay on track) with their children’s well-child checkups and recommended vaccinations.
Read More

by Wanda Voigt, RN, BSNpublished March 16, 2022

Transporting Regulated Medical Waste for Disposal: What Is the Right Choice?

Last updated on March 18, 2022

This article is an update of the original published in 2017. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.

Did you know that there are different methods of transporting regulated medical wastes (RMW) for disposal: mailback programs and pickup services? For some customers, mailback is the more practical and economical option; for others, pickup service makes more sense. Several factors go into determining which option is the best.

by Wanda Voigt, RN, BSNpublished March 2, 2022

Medical Waste Management & Disposal in Home Healthcare Settings

Home healthcare in the United States is experiencing a period of rapid growth and change. While providers and payers seek to improve outcomes while controlling costs, patients are receiving more advanced levels of in-home care. For example, “hospital at home” programs provide care that has traditionally required hospitalization. Industry analysts expect home infusion therapy to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 7.9% through 2030.

Read More

by Kathryn Kane-Neilsonpublished February 16, 2022

Which Industries Generate Regulated Medical Waste?

Last updated on February 28, 2022

The answer may surprise you. The wide world of medical waste encompasses such varied facilities as hospitals, dental clinics, veterinarians, public buildings, pharmacies, and medspas.

Read More