How can you recycle medical waste safely?

1 Assess your waste streams

The first step is to identify and classify your medical waste streams according to the type, volume, and potential hazards. Medical waste can be categorized into four main groups: general, infectious, pathological, and sharps. General waste is non-hazardous and can be recycled or disposed of as regular trash. Infectious waste contains biological agents that can cause disease, such as blood, body fluids, cultures, and swabs. Pathological waste consists of human or animal tissues, organs, and body parts. Sharps waste includes needles, syringes, scalpels, and other sharp objects that can puncture or cut. Each waste stream has different recycling options and regulations that you need to follow.

2 Segregate your waste properly

The second step is to segregate your medical waste according to the waste stream and the recycling method. Segregation means separating the waste at the point of generation and placing it in the appropriate containers, bags, or bins. Segregation helps to reduce the amount of waste that needs to be treated, prevent cross-contamination, and facilitate recycling. For example, you can segregate paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal from general waste and send them to a recycling facility. You can also segregate infectious waste that can be treated by autoclaving, microwaving, or chemical disinfection and send them to a treatment facility. You can also segregate sharps waste that can be shredded, melted, or incinerated and send them to a destruction facility.

3 Label your waste clearly

The third step is to label your medical waste clearly and accurately to indicate the waste stream, the recycling method, and the potential hazards. Labeling helps to ensure that the waste is handled, transported, and recycled safely and correctly. For example, you can label general waste as "recyclable" and indicate the type of material, such as paper, plastic, or metal. You can also label infectious waste as "biohazard" and indicate the type of treatment, such as autoclaving, microwaving, or chemical disinfection. You can also label sharps waste as "sharps" and indicate the type of destruction, such as shredding, melting, or incineration.

4 Store your waste securely

The fourth step is to store your medical waste securely and hygienically until it is ready for collection and recycling. Storage means keeping the waste in a designated area that is locked, ventilated, and pest-free. Storage also means maintaining the integrity and quality of the waste containers, bags, or bins and preventing any leakage, spillage, or damage. For example, you can store general waste in closed and sturdy containers that are clearly marked as "recyclable". You can also store infectious waste in sealed and leak-proof bags or bins that are clearly marked as "biohazard". You can also store sharps waste in puncture-resistant and tamper-proof containers that are clearly marked as "sharps".

5 Choose a reputable waste contractor

The fifth step is to choose a reputable and licensed waste contractor that can collect, transport, and recycle your medical waste safely and legally. Choosing a waste contractor means verifying their credentials, experience, and reputation and ensuring that they comply with the local, state, and federal regulations and standards. Choosing a waste contractor also means establishing a clear and transparent contract that specifies the frequency, cost, and method of collection, transportation, and recycling. For example, you can choose a waste contractor that has a valid permit, a track record of quality service, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. You can also choose a waste contractor that offers a variety of recycling options, such as autoclaving, microwaving, chemical disinfection, shredding, melting, or incineration.

6 Monitor and evaluate your waste management

The sixth and final step is to monitor and evaluate your medical waste management and recycling performance and identify any areas for improvement. Monitoring and evaluating means keeping records, reports, and receipts of your waste generation, segregation, labeling, storage, collection, transportation, and recycling. Monitoring and evaluating also means measuring the environmental, economic, and social impacts and benefits of your waste management and recycling practices. For example, you can monitor and evaluate how much waste you have reduced, reused, or recycled and how much money you have saved or earned. You can also monitor and evaluate how your waste management and recycling practices have improved your infection control, safety, and reputation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?