Biohazard Containers, Medical Waste Disposal, Sharps Containers

What are the Different Types of Waste Disposal Containers?

Biohazard waste bags are one type of disposal container. They’re designed as tough plastic bags with a sealed bottom to reduce the chance of leaks. Available in several various sizes, the bags come in bright red with a black biohazard symbol to alert anyone who sees it that it may contain potentially infectious waste inside. Linen waste bags are made for gathering and transporting infectious hospital linens, including chemotherapy linens. They are available in bright colors and labeled in order to easily tell them apart from normal laundry bags or trash bags.

Hard containers, also called sharps containers, are made to be used for the safe disposal of sharp objects, such as needles and blades. They can be wall mounted or counter top style, depending on the healthcare facility’s unique requirements. Sharps containers are made of puncture-resistant plastic with some type of locking mechanism to keep the contaminated items inside. Some have a funnel valve opening at the top for the needles to be dropped into while others have a mailbox style lid that opens horizontally and stays closed when it is not in use. Many configurations offer a “full” position to minimize the potential for overfilling it, and they come in various sizes to accommodate every facility’s workload.

Biohazard warning labels are available in different sizes for labeling bags and bins of medical waste. They alert staff to materials that require extra safe care during disposal.

What is Medical Waste?

Medical waste is waste that is created by treating, diagnosing and immunizing people or animals. It can also result from the research and testing of biological products. Each year, 2 million tons of medical waste are produced. Most of it comes from hospitals, but other sources include dental practices, doctor’s offices, research facilities, veterinarian offices, and laboratories. High amounts of waste are also produced by companies that manufacture pharmaceuticals.

Medical wastes are normally separated into four categories: hazardous, infectious, radioactive, and general waste. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that approximately 15% of waste is infectious. Infectious waste is that which can cause harm to the environment or to people. This category includes items such as surgical gloves, bandages, needles, surgical instruments, and microbial cultures, dishes, and cloths.

Infectious waste must be contained and managed to avoid spreading toxins, infection, and pollutants. These materials can lead to serious diseases if they penetrate the body. The containment and safe transportation of biomedical waste is required for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, veterinary practices, and other such environments.
Medical waste should be stored in airtight containers. The lid on the container should be leak proof and unable to be punctured. The container needs to be labeled appropriately and indicated to be a biohazard material. Disinfectants should be close to the waste in case a spill happens. Anything that comes in contact with this waste should be considered medical waste and treated that way.

Medical waste disposal is regulated by the RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act). Most of this regulated medical waste goes to 1 of 2,400 incinerators in the US. The waste is burned at temperatures from 650 to 900 degrees Celsius (1,202 to 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit). Since these incinerators release pollutants, such as lead, carbon monoxide, and mercury into the air, they are a health hazard.

Putting certain types of biomedical waste in landfills is another option for disposing of them. However, these use up valuable resources of the earth. Scientists worry that there will come a point when there will be no more room in the landfills. Those in charge of managing medical waste are working to develop alternative methods of disposal that do not cause environmental or health threats.

What are the Rules for Proper Medical Waste Disposal?

Each type of medical waste follows its own distinct disposal code. Biohazard waste is made of nearly anything that has come in contact with a person’s body and has been exposed to bodily illnesses and fluids, if present. This can include such things as tissue samples, human excrement, or used bandages and swabs. Proper disposal for biohazardous materials require that they be placed in a labeled bag and sealed closed. Next, the bag must be place in a leak proof container and labeled on all sides as “biohazardous.”

Solid waste is normally steam sterilized and disposed of in the same way as any other waste or trash. This type of medical waste consists of things like unsoiled paper gowns, gloves, and empty containers. Liquid waste requires a different type of disposal. Urine, blood, and other fluids or near-fluid materials must be decontaminated by using an agent such as chlorine. Then, it is sent through the sewer system through specialized drains where it will be treated further with all other waste water.

Chemotherapy waste must be labeled as “chemo waste” and disposed of separately. Radioactive waste is chemically treated and transported to special facilities. There are also pharmaceutical waste products that must be disposed of properly. These are put into a cardboard box that is taped shut and tossed in with the regular solid waste.

Medical waste disposal requires the containment of sharps waste, and includes items like syringes, needles, and blades used during surgery. Special care is taken in their disposal because these items can be potentially contaminated by diseases that could be transferred to others. Used sharps waste must be place in a leak and puncture proof container and incinerated.

Rehabmart is pleased to carry biohazard waste disposal containers from credentialed and experienced vendors comprising McKesson Medical-Surgical, Independence Medical and Detecto.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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