Biohazardous waste, also known as medical waste, infectious waste, or red bag waste is a special type of waste commonly generated in the medical industry. It is strictly regulated and must be disposed of in a particular manner. Fortunately, BWS provides biohazardous waste removal in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
At its most basic level, there are four categories of biohazardous waste:
- Solid waste- excludes sharp contaminated objects
- Liquid waste- includes bulk quantities of blood and other bodily fluids
- Sharps waste- Any contaminated object that can puncture or pierce through the skin
- Pathological waste- Includes human organs, limbs, and tissue
In addition to how biohazardous waste is categorized, it also comes in a variety of different forms, including:
- Human or animal specimen cultures.
- Human surgery specimens or removed tissues.
- Animal parts, tissues, fluids, or carcasses.
- Waste containing blood.
- Waste containing excrement.
This type of waste overlaps with other types, like contaminated sharps. As seen above, this waste is dangerous and must be disposed of properly.
How Biohazardous Waste Needs to be Handled
Unlike regular trash, disposing of your biohazardous waste isn’t as easy as throwing it in a trashcan and forgetting about it. This type of waste requires special attention. Remember, your waste is your responsibility until it has been destroyed – even after it has left your facilities.
The first step in disposing of your biohazardous waste is to separate it from non-hazardous waste and designate a special container for it. The type of biohazardous waste will determine the best type of container for it. For example, sharp contaminated objects need to be placed in a puncture-proof, tamper-proof container designated for sharps. Infectious waste needs to be placed in leak-proof red plastic bags that have the international symbol for infectious substances.
Every container should be properly labeled and sealed once all items are placed inside. Learn more about our DoT-approved medical waste containers and sharps products.
Storage
After your biohazard waste is contained, you need to deal with where to store the container until it is picked up by a hazardous waste disposal company. All biohazardous waste should be stored in an area that is separate from all non-hazardous waste. This area should:
- Have an impermeable floor
- Have easy access to staff and waste-collection vehicles
- Protect materials from the sun
- Not be located near sites that deal with food
- Be well guarded
Hire a Biohazardous Waste Disposal Company
After you’ve separated, labeled, and stored your biohazardous waste, all that’s left to do is hire a biohazardous waste removal company. Because of the dangers and liabilities that come with this kind of waste, it is absolutely necessary to trust a company with a proven track record in waste management.
BWS has a combined 70 years of experience in the biohazardous waste and the expertise to handle your waste properly. We are a trusted biohazardous waste disposal company serving Maryland, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
If you need biohazardous waste removal services, contact us today or get a FREE quote.
