Regulated medical waste has a special set of safety protocols established to keep people, facilities, and the environment safe. From healthcare facilities to individual households, proper disposal of medical waste is imperative. 

Medical waste can be hazardous and include things like used needles and syringes, medical equipment, laboratory and pharmaceutical waste, anatomical waste, and contaminated items like bandages and gowns. To ensure safety, it is important to abide by the guidelines of regulated medical waste disposal. 

The most effective way to dispose of medical waste is to use medical waste treatment services that are compliant with local and federal regulations. These services provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective disposal of medical waste with minimal effort from the customer. 

In addition to using medical waste treatment services, there are several additional do’s and don’ts of regulated medical waste disposal to keep in mind. 

• DO practice proper segregation. Store medical waste separately from regular trash at all times. Make sure to use a separate container for any infection waste you may have.
• DO use clearly marked containers when disposing of medical waste. This will help keep medical waste properly segregated and avoid any contamination. The containers should be clearly labeled with the following information: nature of waste; name of the generator; and date of accumulation.
• DO use proper personal protective equipment when handling medical waste, such as gloves, masks, and goggles.
• DO keep a logbook of any medical waste you generate and how it is stored or disposed. This will ensure you are compliant with local and federal regulations.
• DON’T mix medical waste with regular trash.
• DON’T try to incinerate or autoclave medical waste. This could create potential hazards. It’s best to leave medical waste disposal to the professionals.
• DON’T keep medical waste around for long periods of time. Dispose of it as soon as possible.
• DON’T leave medical waste in public areas.

Following these do’s and don’ts of regulated medical waste disposal can help keep you, your staff, and your community safe. To ensure safety, it is best to stick to regulations and always use professional medical waste treatment services. These services will provide the most secure form of disposal possible and can make the process of controlling medical waste much easier.