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 August 31, 2022

Medical Waste Disposal in Blood Banks

Blood banks play a critical role in healthcare by collecting, storing, and distributing blood for patients needing transfusions. Each day with each patient, blood banks generate regulated medical wastes (RMW), so safety must be a priority. Due to the generation of RMW, employees must receive training such as OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, DOT, and other federal and state-mandated requirements. This training helps blood banks maintain workplace safety and avoid potential fines and penalties.
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by Kathryn Kane-Neilsonpublished August 17, 2022

Five Ways to Control Medical Waste Disposal Costs

Healthcare waste management is complex. Up to 85% of wastes generated in hospitals, clinics, and other situations can be disposed of in regular trash or recycled. However, multiple federal and state agencies regulate the small amounts of wastes that constitute hazardous or regulated medical wastes (RMW). Costs for managing these wastes are significantly higher than for regular trash.
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by Wanda Voigt, RN, BSNpublished August 3, 2022

On The Road with Sharps Compliance Drivers

A Sharps Compliance driver has one of the most important jobs in the company. For many of our pickup customers, the driver is the face of the company and main point of contact. Every driver gets questions about safety, waste treatment, training, and more.
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by Wanda Voigt, RN, BSNpublished July 6, 2022

Regulated Medical Waste Disposal in Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care clinics bridge the gap between emergency departments (ED) and primary care providers. They’re an alternative for patients who need immediate medical care for conditions that aren’t life-threatening. Patients may present with symptoms as diverse as sore throats, minor cuts and puncture wounds, broken bones, or serious conditions that require emergency transport to an ED.
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by Wanda Voigt, RN, BSNpublished June 8, 2022

Can You Tell the Difference Between Hazardous and Biohazardous Waste?

Last updated on June 29, 2022

Hazardous and biohazardous wastes can potentially harm human, animal, and environmental health and wellbeing. These two types of wastes differ in composition, origin, dangers, and disposal methods. Waste generators need to understand the difference between biohazardous and hazardous wastes to protect the staff and the public, comply with all applicable regulations, and avoid fines and penalties.
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