Written by Amy Piser
08 Jul 2021

5 Benefits of Proper Waste Management

Medical waste disposal is a crucial component of every medical practice. When performed correctly, medical waste management protects patients, staff, the environment, and even the general population.

Failure to stay in compliance can lead to hefty fines and public relations crises.

Effective waste management and disposal systems help organizations execute proper waste protocols, which deliver the following benefits. 
 

TALK TO A MEDICAL WASTE EXPERT TODAY
 


MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT HELPS YOU:

1 / Stay in Compliance

2 / Stay Environmentally Responsible

3 / Protect Patients and Staff

4 / Positively Affect Public Health

5 / Improve Operational Efficiency



Medical Waste Management Helps You Stay in Compliance


Staying compliant with federal and state regulations is of the utmost importance. Numerous agencies oversee medical waste disposal, including:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • The Environmental Protection Agency
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
     

Running afoul of these agencies can result in thousands of dollars in fines per day. This is in addition to the reputational damage that may never be fully repaired.

An effective waste management plan will ensure you’re compliant with current regulations. 



Medical Waste Management Helps You Stay Environmentally Responsible
 

So, how does proper waste management help the environment?

Without proper medical waste management, medical facilities could potentially release waste that contaminates soil, water reserves, and plant and animal life. 

One of the biggest sources of water pollution is runoff. Rainfall that runs along spilt medical waste and chemicals can pick up those harmful pollutants and deposit them into waterways. 

The aquatic animals exposed to these pollutants ingest them and store the chemicals and toxins in their cells. Other species, including humans, then absorb these toxins after eating these animals.

A major benefit of proper waste management is that it significantly reduces the risk of environmental contamination.



Medical Waste Management Helps you Protect Patients and Staff
 

The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed numerous medical facilities throughout the United States, undoubtedly causing some facilities to become less-than-rigid with their medical waste disposal. 

Nosocomial diseases are more likely to spread in chaotic conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to follow proper medical waste disposal practices, especially when the facility is under strain. 

Effective medical waste management significantly limits the spread of infection, benefiting both patients and clinical staff.



Medical Waste Management Can Positively Affect Public Health

 

Correct infectious waste handling ensures the health and safety of everyone and everything. This includes clinical staff, the environment, and the general public.

Waste from medical facilities can pile up quickly in very large quantities. When it’s not handled correctly, we risk significant public health implications. 

Used devices can be illicitly repurposed and sold, and environmental toxins can cause widespread medical conditions like respiratory infections and even cancer.



Medical Waste Management Improves Operational Efficiency


Regulations concerning the disposal of medical waste can be complex and are constantly changing. 

Having an effective medical waste management plan can boost your operational efficiency. It helps you navigate the training, oversight, and auditing processes seamlessly. 

Having medical waste disposal support also allows you to allocate your time and resources to other important matters.

What does this support entail? Things like:

  • Waste Movement Efficiency – Mobile solutions for waste movement that help reduce staff labor
  • Education – Simple tools to help frontline healthcare workers segregate waste properly
  • Compliance Training – Ensuring your staff are trained and licensed to handle waste in line with current regulations 
  • Auditing – Performing audits on medical waste bins to identify efficiencies in cost savings and segregation 

 

Experience The Benefits of Proper Waste Management 


At Daniels Health, we offer medical waste management support to organizations that generate medical waste. This includes facilities like medical centers, hospitals, dental practices, med spas, and more. 

For additional information about our medical waste management solutions, please visit our information page.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of proper waste management?

 

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT 

 

Header Style: 
Amy Piser

Amy Piser

Clinical Waste Educator

With 26 years experience working in healthcare, Amy has implemented sustainability initiatives for over 100 hospitals across the United States and brings unique practice and compliance expertise to healthcare waste management.