2016/05/13

Best Practices for Medical Waste Disposal

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Waste is simply a reality in the medical field. To provide the best and safest care, many instruments and tools are used only once before being disposed of. This practice keeps us safe and healthy, but also creates a unique waste disposal dilemma. When medical tools have been used and need to be disposed of, they can’t simply go in a regular trash can, they must be disposed of properly for the safety of patients, healthcare workers, environmental services employees, and the general population. It is essential that healthcare facilities have procedures and tools in place to prevent improper disposal of medical waste, here are four practices that are imperative.

Medical Waste Containers

Medical waste containers can help healthcare workers correctly dispose of waste by labeling, and can make removal of waste a more simplified and streamlined process. Various container types are available for different needs, for example, sharps containers, which are used for needles and other sharp objects that may tear through a bag.

Labeling and Packaging

Different types of medical waste also require different labeling and packaging, so they can be handled and disposed of differently. Pathology waste, infectious waste, chemotherapy waste, and biohazardous waste all require different labels, and should all be handled differently. In addition, all sharp objects, such as needles, should be in puncture resistant packaging before being put into a medical waste bag for shipping, to prevent any injury during transport.

Detailed Documentation

As with all other things in the medical field, proper documentation and paper filing is essential in disposing of medical waste. Not only does paperwork protect the care provider, it also protects the waste disposal company and is required for transport. Each waste container or bag should have accompanying paperwork throughout its transport.

Employing a Professional

Medical waste disposal can be intimidating, but is an essential part of healthcare. Proper disposal keeps everyone safe, and is of utmost importance. While having systems and processes in place are still necessary, a waste removal company can help make your job easier, while ensuring waste is disposed of in the correct way. When dealing with medical waste, it is important to realize that waste is the responsibility of the waste generator (ie. the hospital, lab, nursing home, etc.), even after it has been taken off site. It’s essential to choose a reliable waste management company, because any liability is still in your hands. A good waste disposal company should understand and follow legal policies for transport and disposal, following each policy strictly. It is also essential your waste disposal company works with you to set a removal schedule, so you don’t ever have a backup of waste that needs to be transported. At Biomedical Waste Services we have a skilled team of professionals who are familiar with legal regulations for waste disposal, and understand how important it is to your day to day workings. Our team is trained to deal with all types of biomedical waste disposal safely and thoroughly, keeping you and your organization safe. Request a free quote now.

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We provide an outstanding value and service to our regulated waste customers and pride ourselves on our 100% customer satisfaction with 99% customer retention ratio.

“Our office has been utilizing the services of Biomedical Waste Services, Inc. (BWS) for well over a decade. Their caring, dedicated, and professional team have made it an absolute pleasure to do business with. They are always prompt and courteous in providing whatever service we ask of them. We highly recommend them for your practice!!”

Paul R Miller, D.D.S. and Team

“Our experience with BWS has been uniformly positive. Their services are prompt, professional, and reliable. Their prices are fair and upfront, with no hidden or recurring charges. We highly recommend them as a vendor.”

ZytoGen Patient Services

“My review from 2019: Still using BWS and still think they're great! My review from 2016: We've been doing business with BWS for a few years now, and their service and pricing are great. We previously used a company who provides the same service in our area but overcharged us for years. I would definitely recommend BWS to anyone in the market for waste disposal at a great price with excellent service.”

“I have fantastic very dependable experience using BWS. I have used them weekly for the last 17 years in my dental practice. There always on the day that they're supposed to be, there's never been an issue with any of the invoices.”

Akbar Masood, D.D.S.

“BWS has been handling our biohazardous waste disposal for three years. They have always been helpful and dependable. I recommend them to all who need biohazardous waste disposal services.”

Chris Donaldson

“Been working with BWS for 10+ years. Fantastic service, always on time and polite.”

Dharani Jasthi

“Prompt, professional, and awesome business. We have worked with them for years and couldn't be happier.”

Tomicka Jackson-George, D.M.D.

“I've used BWS for several years now. Their service is great and their fees are very reasonable, making BWS a great value in hazardous waste removal.”

Louis Sachs, D.D.S.

“Professional and always on time! Great service!”

Kate Blair English

“Great option for healthcare waste management. BWS is an independent owned professional organization that is built on integrity and trust. There is no other company in the region that I'd recommend more. Most others say the right things the folks at BWS do the right thing. I'll continue to recommend them.”

Dave Ryan

We are a medical practice in a new location and needed hazardous waste removal services. We have been so pleased with the level of service and professionalism on both the admin and field work end of BWS services, and their pricing is fair and flexible. We would highly recommend them to any medical practice in need of these services.

Kerry Owens, Avalon Plastic Surgery

Every staff member that I have interacted with has been very friendly. They are quick to respond to emails and do a great job.

Jamie Fleming, National Spine & Pain Centers

Excellent company. Received notification that I was on schedule, showed up as promised, and very professional service from office to driver. Excellent service!!!

Keith Roberts, Biomatrix Specialty Pharmacy

Great service! They are always responsive and ready to help. 100% recommended.

Mireia Pedragosa Marin, Synergy Research

They were responsive and quickly start services. They were also great at answering all my questions and updating on when services would start.

Rebecca Crouse, Randolph Macon Academy

We used BWS for sharps disposal at a doctor's office. I saw their bright truck in the parking lot at work which lead me to call for a quote. They responded to my inquiry quickly and thoroughly, answering all my questions. They gave me pricing that was very reasonable, and lower than many companies I checked. They were a pleasure to communicate with via phone and email, no phone tag! The truck arrived the day and time we planned. The driver was very personable and easy to communicate with. The people I interacted with seem to understand the value of customer service. I would highly recommend them. They will take care of you.

Melissa C, Patriot Chiropractic

Excellent, professional service and very reasonable price on medical waste removal. Danielle was fantastic to work with - thanks Danielle!

Dr. Rosario Ignacio

Reliable and affordable

Dr. Thomas Lutz, Odenton Family Dentistry

I've used BWS for several years now. Their service is great and their fees are very reasonable, making BWS a great value in hazardous waste removal. Over the 20+ years that I have used them the scope of their services has increased as well as making documentation of their service easier to use!

Dr. Louis Sachs, DDS

I ran a dental charity for many years, organizing huge clinics to treat those in need. BWS donated their waste disposal services for every clinic for many years, and they continue to do so to this day. This is always a huge job, and they are always reliable, dedicated, and fun to work with. They know what it means to give back.

Eric B.

Great service & professional reps

Brenda Shah

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