Why Proper Disposal of Medical Waste Saves Lives

2017/04/21

Why Proper Disposal of Medical Waste Saves Lives

According to the World Health Organization, 85% of the waste generated by the healthcare industry is general, non-hazardous waste, while the remaining 15% is classified as hazardous. 100% of these materials need to be disposed of properly to minimize and eliminate health risks for everyone, not just those who work directly with medical waste! Being educated on this matter is the first step to minimizing the healthcare risks involved. biohazard

What is medical waste?

Hospitals, laboratories, health research centers, and blood banks are the highest producers of medical waste. The most common types of waste generated by these facilities are:

Infectious waste, which includes any waste contaminated with bodily fluids (diagnostic samples, cultures, swabs, bandages, disposable medical devices).
Sharps, which are needles, blades, and syringes and can be dangerous whether they are used or unused.
Pathological waste, including human organs, tissue, body parts, and animal carcasses.
Radioactive waste, which are products contaminated by the use of radioactive diagnostic materials.
Non-hazardous waste, or waste that is not biologically, chemically, radioactively, or physically hazardous.

Who is affected?

Unfortunately, you don’t have to work in the medical or waste removal fields to be at risk when medical waste is disposed of improperly. Garbage and recycling facility workers who are not responsible for hazardous medical waste removal are at risk when medical waste is disposed of via general waste disposal, as they are not equipped with the proper safety tools to handle this type of waste. The water and air you come in contact with every day can become contaminated when toxic elements are released during incineration. In short, when medical waste disposal practices aren’t carried out safely, everyone is at risk.

How can we minimize health risks?

Professionals in the medical waste management field, along with the government and general public can do their part to minimize the health risks associated with improper medical waste disposal. The strategies we can use to promote healthier waste management are:

by using the safest and most environmentally friendly waste management options available
by building a waste management system that continually addresses resource allocation, responsibilities, and waste handling and disposal
by educating ourselves on the hazards of improper medical waste removal and raising awareness (even on a local level) about the risks involved and safe practices necessary.

Biomedical Waste Services proudly provides Maryland and the surrounding areas with regulated medical waste solutions. We are dedicated to practicing only the safest and most environmentally friendly disposal techniques and constantly strive to minimize health risks associated with waste disposal of all kinds. For more information, contact our professionals today!

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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