Properly classifying and reducing medical waste not only saves time, but money too.
What percentage of your waste is considered medical waste? If your numbers are on the higher side, you may be classifying your waste incorrectly. This surplus of waste not only costs more money, but can lead to problems with compliance and safety. Here are 5 ways to reduce your medical waste to ensure efficiency, compliance, and cost-saving measures.
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Segregate your waste properly
The process of segregating wastes into the right categories can greatly reduce the volume of what’s considered regulated medical waste. You wouldn’t put paper trash into red bag waste, nor would you put sharps in a trash receptacle. In these situations, you’re either paying for unnecessary services or violating OSHA regulations, thereby costing more in fines and penalties. Know what’s considered common refuse, non-infectious waste, hazardous waste, and universal waste and discard appropriately.
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Reduce packaging as needed
A significant portion of medical waste removal is the packaging used to contain medical waste. Employ the use of reusable sharps containers and only empty containers when they are full. Don’t use large-sized red bags for smaller red bag waste volume. Rely on reusable regulated medical waste containers.
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Reuse single use devices (SUD)
According to the CDC, the reuse of single-use medical devices began in the late 1970s and is considered a cost-saving measure. While still a controversial topic, most all surgical hospitals reprocess its supply of reusable surgical instruments through cleaning, inspection, and sterilization. Whether a reusable instrument is reused or discarded depends on the hospital’s inspection process prior to resterilization. Check with state and federal laws to see if this is an option.
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Have a plan
Having a plan and following the plan to the letter ensures that your waste is managed, safe, compliant, and reduced. Have a chain of command, and have clear and concise steps for disposing of medical waste.
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Rely on a disposal company that understands compliant waste removal
Choosing a medical waste disposal company means looking for a company that strictly adheres to compliance policies and provides reliable services at affordable rates. Companies like MedXwaste can help your facility customize a waste removal plan that adheres to your needs. We maintain a highly trained staff that is properly equipped for medical waste removal so you can focus on keeping your staff and community healthy.
Reducing medical waste is an essential ingredient for low cost, compliant, and sustainable success. Contact MedXwaste today!
Service Areas: Long Island Medical Waste; New York City Medical Waste; Westchester Medical Waste and more!
