Infectious Waste During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2020/04/06

Infectious Waste During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Right now, the novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 is spreading throughout the world. Ensuring the safe and proper handling of medical, infectious, and hazardous waste is more important than ever. By making sure that we all handle waste safely, we can promote a safer environment for everyone and stop the spread. Here are some of the regulations for safe handling of infectious waste during these intense times.

Proper Items to Dispose of in red bag:

The regulations and methods for handling infectious medical waste are more important than ever as we operate during the global pandemic created by the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Regulated Medical Waste is also known as “Red bag waste” and is handled in red bags. Some of the items that are disposed of in red bags include:

Contaminated Gloves
Contaminated Bandages/Gauze
Blood Contaminated items
Absorbed Blood & Bodily Fluids (no loose fluids)
Plastic Tubing
Locked Disposable, Puncture-Proof Sharps Containers
Contaminated dressings and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Cultures or Stocks
Trace Chemotherapy Waste
Pathological Waste – Special Handling & Labelling – Pathological Waste must be clearly labelled as such

How COVID-19 medical waste is handled

OSHA, CDC, and World Health Organization state that waste from COVID-19 patients should be handled as standard regulated medical waste (RMW). Routine procedures for handling COVID-19 medical waste apply. Specimens from suspect COVID-19 cases are Category B and must be packaged and transported as UN 3373 when sent offsite.

In collaboration with the NWRA, we have assembled extra precautionary measures to help protect you, your staff, and your patients against COVID-19, please take a look at our precautionary guide here. Additionally, learn more here about the extra steps we’re taking within our operations to keep our team members, equipment, office space, and fleet safe.

For more information, contact BWS Customer Care at (410) 437-6590 or customercare@bwaste.com.

You can also take a look at our COVID-19 Resources page, by clicking here.

The information included here is based on current federal laws and regulations. Additional state specific regulations may apply. Please be advised that regulations are subject to change.

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“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!!”

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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