In the United States, over 3.5 million tons of medical waste are generated each year. Formulating an effective plan for how to deal with this waste is key to maintaining efficiency and safety in healthcare facilities.
There are several types of medical waste, each with its own disposal process. For example, common medical waste is stored in red sharps containers and red waste bags, whereas pharmaceutical waste is stored in special pharmaceutical containers. Certain categories of waste, such as sharps, are heavily regulated. In fact, offices and clinics that administer injectable medicine are legally responsible for sharps management. Improper disposal can lead to costly fines, legal exposure and employee and patient risk.
When disposed of properly, medical waste ends up in a landfill or a waste-to-energy facility (WTE). There are two disposal methods in WTE facilities. The first is steam autoclave, which uses moisture, heat and pressure to inactivate microorganisms. Steam autocleaves reach temperatures of 1,600ºC and a pressure of 80-85 PSI. The other method is incineration. This strategy is best for pharmaceuticals, chemotherapy waste and chemical waste.
Prioritizing efficient medical waste disposal services reduces hazards for employees and patients alike. It can also save money–experts predict that proper disposal could save the US over $700 million over 5 years–which can then be reinvested into treatment breakthroughs and preventative care. Being conscientious about waste disposal goes a long way in streamlining the healthcare system.
Source: Amergy Disposal