TriHaz Solutions Blog

When we talk about the “flow” of regulated medical waste (RMW), we’re referring to all the steps involved in the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of RMW. Management of the flow process is a serious and complex undertaking, more so in times of crisis such as a pandemic or other catastrophic event.

Regulated medical waste (RMW) can be up to 100 times more costly to manage than municipal solid waste or recyclables. Proper disposal of RMW is also a much more complex process—and not only because it’s highly regulated by multiple local, state, and federal agencies, including the EPA, DOT, and OSHA. The CDC and DEA also publish guidelines and rules for RMW handling. 

Improperly managing regulated medical waste (RMW) can lead to environmental damage and threaten human health. It can also result in significant financial penalties.

Table of Contents

1. What qualifies as regulated medical waste?
2. The flow of regulated medical waste
3. Sudden, extreme changes in demand flow
4. Importance of proper procedures
5. Proper segregation of waste
6. Don’t ignore risks
7. Who’s responsible?

In normal circumstances, U.S. hospitals produce more than five million tons of medical waste each year, or about 29 pounds from each staffed bed every day. Add in waste from other medical facilities, dental offices, pharmacies, veterinary clinics, funeral homes, and other medical waste generators, and that number is significantly higher. Regulated medical waste (RMW) makes up about five to 15 percent of a hospital’s total waste stream.

The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to have a deep impact on the operation of medical facilities across the country. In Alabama, the spread of the virus has changed how health-related practices conduct business, with many of them shutting down. Some are just now beginning to re-open, most with limited hours. While they are providing much needed services to the community, the re-openings have added to the demand for personal protective equipment, or PPE, for all staff members.

Most companies and medical facilities have voluminous amounts of stored paper and electronic files. That’s due in large part to industry-specific laws and regulations that require files and records be retained for a certain number of years before they can be shredded or otherwise disposed of.

Businesses close for many reasons: an owner decides to retire, sell, or relocate. Sometimes a medical practitioner joins another group or relocates their facility. Today, many of these decisions are being driven by the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought.

It’s fair to say that everyone wants a safe, healthy environment. No question. And savvy businesses follow best practices for sustainability and environmental health, especially when it comes to proper waste management. 

A well-designed document retention and destruction policy has three primary benefits for all businesses, including those in the medical field: efficiency, safety, and peace of mind. It also keeps your organization compliant with state and federal standards.

Whether it’s pill bottles, syringes, or medicine tablets, pharmaceutical waste at nursing homes can consist of sensitive or hazardous material. You need the right systems in place to segregate and manage it properly for the sake of safety and compliance. Read on to learn the consequences of improper pharma waste disposal at nursing homes and best practices for managing that waste.