As we begin a new year, this is generally a good time to evaluate your vendors and partners that help keep your facility operating. This includes your medical waste and what it takes to keep you compliant. As a regulated medical waste generator, you remain liable for the safe and compliant transport and disposal of your regulated medical waste - even after it's left your facility. That's why it's critical to evaluate and understand your options when selecting a medical waste management partner. For you to feel confident in your decision to partner with a medical waste pick up company, you want to know that they are following all local, state, and federal regulations that keep you compliant. You shouldn't be concerned whether your medical waste disposal company is doing the right thing for you, for them, and for our environment. In your process to find the right partner, this article will cover some questions to consider.

What Method is Being Used to Dispose of the Medical Waste?

Understanding how the infectious waste is processed or treated is important when vetting a medical waste management company to partner with. Properly treating the waste first helps sterilize it so that it's safe for further disposal and minimizes environmental pollutants or dangerous exposure to people. Safe disposal methods can include incineration, steam sterilization/autoclave, and other disinfection or inactivation processes. Some waste may require special treatment. Make sure you understand what method is being used to sterilize and dispose of the infectious waste.

In some states, including Maryland, special operating permits are required for treating medical waste. 

Are the Waste Management Staff Properly Trained for Handling Medical Waste?

Anyone handling potentially infectious waste is required by OSHA to follow safety regulations and complete routine training. This generally includes Bloodborne Pathogen training and Hazard Communications. Depending on the staff member's responsibilities and job duties, additional training may be required. Maintaining ongoing training is important for workplace safety and helps reduce the risk of workplace injuries. If an accident occurs, adequately trained staff will know exactly what steps to take to limit any exposures and secure the potentially dangerous waste.

Are the Disposal Containers DoT Approved?

Whether the containers are DoT approved is not always top of mind when picking a medical waste pick up company but it's an essential component for safety and compliance when handling and transporting medical waste. Many of these regulations are set forth by OSHA for workplace safety practices. While each state may be different, there are regulations about how medical waste can be transported, including the container in which it's transferred that must of DoT approved.

How are they Transporting the Medical Waste?

Many states, including Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware have compliance guidelines for transporting medical waste. Not just anyone can transport medical waste in any vehicle. Vehicles transporting waste must comply with DoT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements and in some states special permits must be obtained as well. The waste transporter must have properly marked and dedicated vehicles.

Is Proper Documentation Maintained and Readily Accessible?

You as a waste generator must be able to demonstrate proper transport and disposal of your medical waste at any given moment, especially during an OSHA audit or inspection. Documentation will always be accessible and maintained by a reliable medical waste management company. The documentation should include how it was transported, transporter permits, the processing facility, and date of disposal. You'll want to make sure your medical waste management partner has an option for you to access compliance documentation at any time, such as a Client Portal.

Selecting a Medical Waste Management Partner that's been Trusted for Over 45 Years

Here at Biomedical Waste Services, Inc. (BWS) we have over 45 years of experience safely collecting, transporting, and disposing of regulated medical waste and managing workplace compliance solutions for a variety of industries in the mid-Atlantic area, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. We are committed to improving safety for our customers, our employees, and our communities. Over the years we've partnered with regulatory agencies to understand and shape promulgation effecting medical waste. BWS is a proud member of the Healthcare Waste Institute, a nationally recognized agency centered around responsible healthcare waste management practices. We've partnered with many healthcare facilities and other industry organizations to manage their medical waste while streamlining their practices and maintaining compliance requirements. Call or contact us today to partner with a trusted, reliable medical waste management company.

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