A recent study of the water supply in over 20 metropolitan areas around the country revealed that the water in these areas contained trace amounts of chemical drugs. When you hear this news, you might ask yourself how this can actually happen. The truth is that most cities’ water filtration systems are not equipped to filter out the dissolved traces of chemicals found in drugs from our drinking water, meaning when people choose to dispose of their old or unwanted pharmaceutical drugs by flushing them down the toilet, the same drugs are more than likely going to end up right back into our drinking water. This is why it’s imperative for the proper disposal of medical waste. 

How Do We Ensure Proper Disposal of Medical Waste?

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In order to prevent this from becoming a major issue in the future, the EPA has come up with a new set of guidelines that are designed to help individuals and healthcare workers alike dispose of pharmaceutical drugs properly. In addition to the safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste, there are also guidelines on how to properly get rid of any additional hazardous medical waste. The proper disposal of these substances and materials can make a significant difference when it comes to creating a clean and safe environment for everyone.

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By preventing healthcare facilities from disposing of their pharmaceutical waste in the toilet or down the drain where it can eventually get into a city’s clean water supply, the EPA estimates that over 6400 tons of hazardous waste can be directed away from people’s drinking water. In addition, new rules that outline the proper disposal of other hazardous medical waste will make it easier for healthcare facilities to keep their patients and employees safe from harm or infection. More comprehensive labelling of hazardous waste along with emergency plans that are put in place in the event of an exposure to hazardous medical waste will go a long way towards keeping everyone safe and healthy.

To help with the proper disposal of pharmaceutical and medical waste, clinics, individuals and other health facilities can turn to Sanpro Medical Waste Disposal. It is our job to worry about following proper disposal procedures for all types of medical waste, so our customers don’t have the extra hassle. We work hand in hand with our partners in the healthcare field in order to meet their waste disposal needs according to their schedules and demand. To learn more about the new guidelines for pharmaceutical and medical waste disposal, and how Sanpro can make it easy for you to safely dispose of your medical waste, feel free to visit our website, or call us directly with any questions you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you, and getting started on making your facility safer and healthier for everyone.