In the past, medical waste was disposed of in a method that was very similar to recycling. Any item that was deemed medical waste was disposed of in a separate plastic bag or box in a hospital or clinic. Unlike recycling however, where items are sorted and processed separately according to the type of material they are, medical waste was disposed of as if it was normal trash after it left the clinic or hospital. It has since been discovered that this method of disposal was extremely unsanitary, and often led to the spread of diseased and potential outbreaks of viruses. In light of this discovery, the methods by which medical waste products are disposed of have become much more safe and far more sanitary, and are carried out under strict guidelines to ensure no outbreaks of dangerous diseases ever occur.

Medical waste can be identified as any item that has come into contact with bodily fluids during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of a human being. Such items include needles, IV catheters that at one point contained blood or any other bodily fluid, paper towels or wipes, surgical gloves, bandages, and syringes without needles. These items, along with any other object that comes into contact with bodily fluids, are now disposed of using designated plastic containers and bags with a red biohazard warning symbol printed on them. Once these items are stored in the proper containers, they are no longer disposed of with the general trash, but are collected and properly processed by licensed medical waste management companies like Sanpro Waste.

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How is it Safely Processed?

Today, medical waste is sorted, and sterilized by a medical waste company before anything is recycled or disposed of all together. The items designated for disposal or recycling are inserted into an autoclave where air is removed, and then steamed using an incinerator even after they have been sterilized to ensure that no contaminants get spread whatsoever. Once this process is complete, the items can be safely recycled or disposed of without the fear of spreading diseases.

Reliable Waste Disposal with Sanpro

Sanpro Waste Disposal Services are among the best available in the entire country. We are completely up to date with industry standards and regulations, and our convenient service is designed to suit any medical clinic or institution’s schedule or budget. It is our goal to work in tandem with our clients to ensure safe and efficient disposal of medical waste. To learn more about how we can improve your medical waste disposal system, feel free to check out our website, or contact us directly with any questions you may have. We are 100% OSHA compliant and can help your staff members gain their certification to ensure a safe and clean environment exists for all of your patients and employees. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!