5 Tips to Improve Hospital Waste Management

The past two years have seen an upheaval in almost all fields while trying to deal with the worldwide pandemic. There have been numerous lessons learned by the public and health care professionals alike. It is advisable to gear up and take note of what needs to be done and what needs to be eliminated within the facility or lab that you manage at present. Remember that following the right protocol for hospital waste management will enable you to do your tasks effectively and remain compliant with all necessary regulations at the same time.

How to proceed with hospital waste management

• Segregation– It makes sense to have all the generated waste segregated and stored according to categorization. You and your staff must be well aware of waste segregation basics and take care to categorize the extent of waste generated daily. The waste must be divided into 8 separate types with each pile stored in the right color-coded container as advised by the FDA. Separate the waste according to its properties taking care to note whether they have been used or unused. Have the sharps, pharmaceutical, biological (both blood and related products), pathological or anatomical, microbiological waste, isolation ward waste, and animal wastes that have been contaminated stored in properly labeled containers so that there is no difficulty during transportation.
• Differences– It is of utmost importance to recognize and remain informed about different types of waste that pose a risk to human health and the environment. Any material that contains blood stains or has blood dripping from it is considered to be an infectious waste. Dried blood on the waste makes it a regulated medical waste. Similarly, a substance that is toxic or corrosive is termed hazardous. Chemicals and inflammable waste substances are included in this category too. You need to check the Code of Federal Regulations list to learn more about hazardous substances.
• Packaging & Labeling– Sure, you must follow the Federal guidelines while packaging and labeling the waste containers. However, it is important to remember that different states have their regulations for the storage and disposal of hospital/medical waste too. It is mandatory to go through the state-EPA rules related to the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste before attempting to transport the containers for destruction, treatment, or final disposal. It will also be helpful to check OSHA recommendations alongside to ensure perfect transportation and disposal.
• Storage Limitations– You must also ensure the removal of the containers, especially the one holding sharps when it is two-thirds full. Again, it is advisable to check the State guidelines to understand how long you may store the waste within the facility/hospital. Retaining the waste for more than 90 days may cause you to pay a heavy penalty.
• Disposal Methods– Not all types of waste can be disposed of in the same manner. It is important to read the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) guidelines and take action accordingly.

Proper hospital waste management will not only enhance the reputation of the facility but will also ensure peace of mind.