Biomedical waste is any waste that is generated as a by-product of healthcare work, at dental practices, doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, and laboratories. It includes any objects or materials that could come into contact with a person’s body during examination or diagnosis, drug administration, research, and treatment.
Biomedical waste is likely to be infectious. This is because most biomedical waste has been contaminated by bodily fluids. However, this term can also be used to refer to general waste from the healthcare industry.
When it comes to medical waste, it is vital that it is disposed of correctly in order to protect other people and the environment too. But how do you dispose of biomedical waste correctly? Keep reading below to find out more:
Step 1: Biomedical Waste Segregation and Collection
In order to ensure the correct disposal of biomedical waste, we first need to think about what happens to the waste when it is produced. Biomedical waste does not all fit into one category. In fact, there are lots of different types of bio-medical waste. All of this waste needs to be stored separately in the correct containers. These containers are usually color-coded in order to help with biomedical waste segregation.
Step 2: Biomedical Waste Storage and Transportation
Most healthcare settings use a medical waste disposal company to safely store and transport their medical waste for them. However, if your healthcare setting does not, then you will need to make sure that your biomedical waste is stored in a secure area that is off-limits to the general public. Not only that, but this area also needs to be separate from areas that are used for food or drink consumption. Until waste is collected, storage is essential.
When it comes to the transportation of biomedical waste, medical waste disposal companies use special vehicles that are equipped with state-of-the-art defensive tools.
Step 3: Biomedical Waste Disposal and Treatment
Healthcare settings are responsible for their biomedical waste until it has been correctly disposed of. This is why so many healthcare settings decide to hire a professional waste removal company to dispose of their biomedical waste. These companies ensure that all waste is disposed of correctly, allowing healthcare settings to focus on other important tasks. Some of the different methods waste removal companies use for disposal and treatment of biomedical waste include incineration, autoclave chambers, and a medical waste shredder.
No matter whether you work in a healthcare setting or a dentist, you must ensure the correct disposal of any biomedical waste. Biomedical waste can be dangerous to individuals and the environment too, so make sure your medical waste is correctly disposed of by following our advice above.
