Regulated Medical Waste Solutions for Covid-19

28 Jul Regulated Medical Waste Solutions for Covid-19

How to Safely Dispose of COVID-19 Medical Waste

Life as we know it has changed drastically over the past few months. We’ve had to adjust to how we handle matters — from the little things like shopping to more significant issues like work and socializing. Other things have also changed (too many to name), which doesn’t exclude the handling of medical waste. More than ever, we’re seeing a surge in medical waste as a direct result of COVID-19; In contrast, medical waste has always been something we dispose of carefully. But it’s never been more vital than now on how we treat the disposal of COVID-19 medical waste. As a consequence of the severity of COVID-19 and the proliferation of the disease, it’s never been more paramount to consider a regulated medical waste solutions servicer to help staunch the potential spread.

Personal and environmental safety are the reasons why proper waste disposal remains as high as a priority. Still, this pandemic has altered the way biological waste is looked at as a collective. So many lives are at risk if COVID-19 waste is mishandled: from the medical professionals on the frontlines to the janitors and waste handlers who diligently trash contaminated gloves, masks, and tools.

Medical waste is rife with potentially hazardous material. To curtail the transmission of COVID-19, biohazardous waste must be gotten rid of securely and properly. As we adapt to this new reality, we must also protect the lives of people around us by catering to wastes the right way — the safe way.

Types of Medical Waste

The Medical Waste Guidance by the EPA categorizes and defines medical waste into the following categories:

1. General waste — forms the majority of medical waste and is made up of what would be disposed of from homes and offices.
2. Hazardous waste — includes those which would not infect those who come in contact with them but could be dangerous. Tools like surgical equipment and sharps belong to this category. Chemicals used in labs and hospitals, as well.
3. Infectious waste — are those with the potential to cause human beings to become infected. They range from blood or human tissue to things that have been contaminated by body fluids.
4. Radioactive waste — is any waste generated through the application of radioactive treatments and investigation. They are created during cancer therapies and equipment that apply radioisotopes.

As organized and descript as this waste list already was, the pandemic has placed special prominence to the infectious waste category. Waste created during the care of a COVID-19 infected person must be handled adequately. These may include the following:

• Pathological wastes, e.g., phlegm, vomitus, etc.
• Contaminated materials like gloves, masks, gowns, etc.
• Pharmaceutical wastes
• Sharps

How to Dispose of Regulated Medical Waste

National Law Review stated that waste disposal companies are expected to process COVID-19 waste like any other toxic substance. They also mentioned that waste, such as wastewater and municipal waste may undergo the same processing since it is an adequate one.

Medical waste is meant to be put in a red bag that is appropriately designated. Sharp boxes are provided for the placement of dangerous tools. A waste disposal service should then be called to pick up the trash and get rid of it securely.

Medical Waste Treatment Steps

1. Before this process commences, various wastes should be categorized appropriately.
2. Waste disposal service providers receive wastes and move them to a disposal facility.
3. Waste that complies with OSHA will be subjected to incineration, autoclaving, irradiation, and chemical disinfection.
4. Finally, a certificate of destruction will be issued to you with details like treatment date, a chain of custody, and proof that OSHA laws were followed.

Connect with Medical Waste Providers Today

To keep providing a healthy and safe space for workers and patients, waste must be disposed of correctly. BioSecure is the link between you and the perfect disposal company. Allow our expertise to convince you that we are the best regulated medical waste solutions servicer for your needs.