Breaking Down Medical Waste: What is it and How is it Processed?

The processing and disposal of medical waste can be complex.  However, with such a large amount of medical waste being generated each day, it is important to understand what this waste is and how to safely process it. 

In the United States, the healthcare industry generates around 3.5 million tons of waste each year.  Within this general category of medical waste, there are numerous sub-categories.  For example, medical waste may be classified as regular trash, trace chemotherapy waste, pharmaceutical waste, common medical waste or pathological waste. 

Certain categories of waste require additional safety measures during processing.  For example, sharps, such as needles, scalpels and broken glass, can pose a safety hazard if not handled properly.  Sharps must be stored in designated sharps containers that prevent someone from being pricked while disposing of the waste. 

Not all medical waste is generated in healthcare facilities.  At home medical waste is on the rise, as 30% of tasks currently performed in hospitals could shift to the home in the next 2-3 years.  At home waste is much harder to regulate, but there are still some procedures in place.  Specific disposal policy varies state-by-state, but some options include prepaid mail-back envelopes for pharmaceuticals, community pick-up days for sharps and hazardous waste collection sites. 

With so much medical waste being generated every day, it is important to follow regulation and dispose of trash responsibly. 

Source: Amergy Disposal