Posts by Don Holland

Controlled substances presents one of the most sensitive and highly regulated waste streams within healthcare environments. From hospitals and outpatient facilities to long-term care and pharmacies, proper controlled substance disposal is critical to maintaining compliance, preventing diversion, and protecting public safety. Unlike standard pharmaceutical waste, controlled substances are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)…

Hospital waste disposal is a highly regulated, carefully structured process designed to protect patients, staff, the public, and the environment. From the moment waste is generated in a patient room or operating suite to its final treatment and destruction, hospitals must follow strict procedures to ensure safety and compliance. If you’ve ever wondered how medical…

Pharmaceutical waste characterization is a critical compliance step for healthcare facilities of all sizes, from hospitals and outpatient centers to pharmacies, laboratories, and long-term care facilities. Proper characterization ensures medications and drug-related materials are correctly identified, managed, and disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. When done correctly, this process protects staff,…

Healthcare facilities generate a wide range of waste every day—from surgical sharps to pharmaceuticals, cardboard, trash, and hazardous chemicals. Proper waste segregation, which involves ensuring that each waste stream goes into the correct container, is one of the most important steps a hospital can take to maintain compliance, protect staff, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. Yet even…

In healthcare, laboratory, and waste management settings, professionals frequently encounter the term OPIM. You may be wondering what is OPIM? For many, this acronym may sound technical or even unfamiliar at first, but it represents a critical concept in maintaining safety and compliance. Understanding what OPIM means, why these materials require special care, and how…

In regulated medical waste (RMW) management, biohazard bags play a more critical role than most people realize. These bags aren’t just a convenient liner — they are considered the required inner packaging under federal and state regulations for transporting regulated medical waste. At ASMAI, we help our clients understand and meet these requirements every day. Here’s what you need to…