How to Manage Regulated Medical Waste

Medical waste is an issue of public concern because it has seen an increase in recent years. This waste includes items such as syringes, blood drawing vials and Petri dishes. The concern was raised especially after these items started appearing on beaches. In 1998, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and the American Hospital Association signed an agreement aimed at methods to manage and regulate the disposal of medical waste.

• Get education and information about proper disposal methods. Waste regulations are clearly defined as a way to decrease the chances of spreading infectious disease.


• Follow the guidelines set by state and municipal regulators. These regulators come up with standards and policies that must be practiced by all the healthcare facilities in their jurisdiction. The guidelines are set to address the actions that can be taken to prevent environmental problems caused by improper medical waste practices.


• Use incinerators, autoclaves and other forms of safe disposal. Other options include using microwave units, chemical and mechanical systems. Facilities that do not follow the regulations face severe penalties.


• Keep track of the medical waste to make sure it does not get mixed up with regular trash. Keep records, specific containers as well as fixed times for collection and disposal.


• Follow strict guidelines during incineration because the waste is potentially infectious. To reduce this, the EPA outlined guidelines to limit the amount hazardous air emissions that can be produced.


• Dispose of medical supplies such as needles and other sharp objects in the proper receptacle. These objects are often disposed of in cans and marked biohazard bins. Collection sites are often located outside pharmacies or doctors offices.


• Reduce the amount or regulated medical waste produced. This can be done by following green health practices and through proper identification and sorting of the waste.


• Report cases of improperly disposed objects to the relevant authorities.