Medical Waste

Amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak, it is more important than ever for healthcare facilities to be prepared to handle Ebola waste. According to Forbes, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is requesting worldwide cooperation in containing the spread that has put 10 African Countries at risk thus far. Three U.S. airports have been…

Healthcare facilities are continuously balancing safety, compliance, and cost—often while managing increasing regulatory pressure and operational demands. Sharps disposal sits at the center of all three. When not managed properly, it creates risk for staff, adds unnecessary volume to the regulated medical waste (RMW) stream, and drives avoidable costs. According to the Centers for Disease…

Healthcare facilities generate a wide range of waste streams every day, including regulated medical waste, sharps, hazardous waste, pharmaceutical waste, recycling, and solid waste. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 85% of healthcare waste is general waste, while the remaining 15% is considered hazardous and requires special handling and disposal procedures. Effective healthcare waste…

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…