The practices and procedures for the disposal of medical waste have garnered increased attention in 2014 due to the spread and fear of the highly contagious Ebola virus in the U.S. The proper disposal of medical waste is vital to preventing mass outbreaks, and it's important to develop and maintain your own protocols in case your medical organization comes in contact with Ebola or other high-level threat. The infographic below, created by the Eastern Kentucky University, takes a closer look at the current costs and challenges in the disposal of medical waste, particularly Ebola waste, to help medical waste generators prepare for the next epidemic we may face.

Ebola Waste Disposal Challenges

There are a number of methods that healthcare facilities employ to dispose of hazardous medical waste, including autoclaving, thermal or microwave systems, chemical treatment or disinfection, as well as deep landfill burial through your Maryland medical waste removal partner. When it comes to Ebola and other Category A infectious substances, the sheer amount of the generated waste is a big challenge. From personal protective equipment, to cleaning/disinfecting waste and patient care waste, everything has to be properly bagged and disposed of. Not only is this a time-consuming task that often requires buddy-system supervision, but it can also be costly.

Future Solutions for Ebola Waste Disposal

It is vital that healthcare organizations are trained and prepared for any future outbreaks, and new solutions are proposed to help combat the costs and increase effectiveness of medical waste disposal. Experts in the field propose the increased use of pathogen-killing agents such as sunlight, UV rays, gamma rays, autoclaves and incinerators, along with portable medical waste treatment units, to help kill viruses and prevent the spread of these deadly diseases in an efficient and effective manner.

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