Classifications for Medical Waste

2019/07/02

Classifications for Medical Waste

No one likes medical waste, but it is an unfortunate part of the medical process, and not one that should be taken lightly. Medical waste is very serious and needs to be disposed of properly, but this can be difficult without knowing what kind of waste you have and without working with a Maryland medical waste disposal company.

There are generally 4 different kinds of medical waste: infectious, hazardous, radioactive, and general. We wanted to take some time today to discuss the differences between the four.

Infectious Waste

Simply put, infectious waste is any waste that poses the threat of infection to humans. This can include human/animal tissue, blood-soaked bandages, surgical gloves, cultures, stocks, or swabs that were used to inoculate cultures. Some infectious waste can even be labeled as pathological, which is any waste that could contain pathogens.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is anything that has the ability to affect humans in non-infectious ways. This can include things like chemicals (medical and industrial), old drugs, and sharps (needles, scalpels, lancets, etc.). Hazardous waste needs to be treated seriously and should be dealt with by an experienced Maryland waste removal company.

Radioactive Waste

Radioactive waste is produced from nuclear medicine treatments, cancer therapies and medical equipment that uses radioactive isotopes. Any pathological waste that is also contaminated with radioactive material is usually treated as radioactive waste. Radiation carries with it a number of potential health risks and should only be removed by a professional Maryland medical waste removal company.

General Waste

Most medical waste falls under the general category, and is no different from your general household or office waste. General waste includes things like paper, plastics, liquids, and anything else that doesn't fit into the previous three categories.

Work With a Professional Medical Waste Removal Company

Some business owners may think they can get away with removing their medical waste themselves, but if you want to properly dispose of your waste you need to work with a professional Maryland medical waste removal company like BWS. If you're in need of waste removal services in Maryland, don't wait around, contact BWS today! Our team of waste removal specialists is standing by ready to help you in any way possible.

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We provide an outstanding value and service to our regulated waste customers and pride ourselves over the last 50 years 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