2017/10/10

Why is Silver a Hazardous Waste?

Did you know that silver is a form of hazardous waste? When most people think of silver, they think of precious jewelry and expensive metals. However, silver can also be used in a variety of medical instances, such as x-rays. Unfortunately, the effect of silver on the human body after consumption can be problematic in a number of ways. It’s important to dispose of such a hazardous material in the proper fashion to keep everyone safe. First, let’s learn a bit more about why silver is so dangerous. why is silver a hazardous waste?

What Does Silver do?

According to the EPA, silver is listed as a hazardous waste due to its level of toxicity. Small, nearly undetectable traces of silver can be found in our food and water, but consumption of this doesn’t necessarily lead to any kind of health complication. However, if the human body happens to consume more than it is used to, it can cause a skin condition called argyria. Otherwise known as silver poisoning, it can leave skin turning grey or blue. Thankfully, it is a cosmetic issue and does not risk livelihood. The EPA has still listed it as biohazardous waste, though, meaning it must be disposed of through silver reclamation services.

Why is a Disposal Service so Important?

The Maryland Department of the Environment decides on where you should dispose of your hazardous waste--in this case, silver that is leftover from medical procedures. BWS has been listed as a Destination Facility, meaning it is certified to handle the disposal of hazardous waste. It might be tempting to rid yourself of such material by simply throwing it away or pouring x-ray developer down the drain. However, this practice is illegal. HIPAA compliances require proper disposal in order to keep hazardous waste out of drinking water and food consumption. To protect the public, you must dispose of silver through a Destination Facility.

What Else Does Silver Impact?

Silver can impact the environment to a significantly negative degree. If too much silver is within bodies of water, for example, fish will begin to die out due to issues with their cardiovascular systems. Likewise, their reproductive systems could be affected. This would lead to potential collapses of ecosystems. It’s important to remember that such impacts can be prevented easily by contacting your local Destination Facility. In order to protect humanity and the environment, dispose of your hazardous waste, like silver, in the proper fashion.

Protect your community by working with BWS, Inc.!

We are trusted by over 8,000 healthcare professionals per month. BWS provides local hazardous silver reclamation services with competitive prices. We are the best at what we do, and we’re sure to give you the service that you truly need. If you’re looking to get rid of your silver hazardous waste, call 800-660-6581. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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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!!”

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

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