Maybe you’re not sure what exactly happens to your medical waste. Or maybe you just want to make sure that you’re handling yours in the safest way possible.
Put those concerns to rest! In this article, I’ll guide you through the ins and outs of the red bag waste disposal process.
Not sure what medical waste is?
Let’s look at how medical disposal is sanitized and disposed of and how often it’s typically picked up.
At the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what happens to your medical waste - and the pros and cons of different processes!
The Medical Waste Disposal Process
Medical waste must be picked up from your site by a licensed biohazard waste hauler. They take it to a special facility where they first sanitize the waste so that it can then be disposed of. This sanitization process happens through either autoclave or through incineration.
Incineration is exactly what it sounds like - it burns the waste products. Unfortunately this process produces gases that some companies have released directly back into the environment, which is less than ideal. It also creates ashes, which often can’t just be thrown out with regular waste. More medical waste tends to be neutralized through autoclave, but particularly dangerous materials tend to be incinerated.
Autoclave is more expensive, but it’s more efficient - and, some would argue, safer. All the medical waste goes in a drum that is then pressurized and heated. This process kills germs and micro-organism, and the waste becomes like any other trash - it’s safe to throw it away or recycle it.
Scheduling Services for Medical Waste
When it comes to scheduling, there are some ways in which medical waste is a lot like other waste: if you have lots of it, schedule more frequent pick-ups.
But unlike regular trash, medical waste can pose health hazards if too much time goes by between pickups. (Don’t believe your mom - regular trash get smelly if it’s not taken out, but it’s not likely to kill anyone!)
Some kinds of red bag waste can damage human tissue - or it might be radioactive. Suffice to say, you don’t want to just leave this type of material lying around for too long.
If anything, it’s best to err on the side of too many pick-ups. This isn’t the kind of waste you want to handle haphazardly.
Make Sure Your Medical Waste Disposal Is Safe
We help companies safely handle their red bag waste - but we also make sure they pay fair prices. None of the processes we’ve described above are wildly expensive. Yet medical waste bills can be exorbitant.
Why not schedule a free consult? It’s the perfect way to find savings - and ensure the safety of all those who visit, work, or live at your locations.
Evaluate Your Current Medical Waste Management Process
Medical waste disposal is a highly regulated process and it ensures the safety of those on your site, as well as those who handle the waste.
To make sure your medical waste management process is airtight, do these three things:
Make sure your team is properly trained (or retrained) in waste disposal techniques!
Schedule frequent pick-ups.
Make sure that all waste materials make it into the designated containers.
You can rest easy knowing that you’re doing everything you can to ensure that dangerous materials are disposed of safely and effectively.