Trusted & Reliable Biohazardous Waste Disposal Services in El Paso, TX

 

Biohazardous waste poses a danger to people who come into contact with it, including workers and patients. It is also referred to as infectious waste because the substance is potentially infected with harmful agents or pathogens deemed a threat to public health. These types of biohazardous wastes are produced in healthcare facilities, hospitals, and doctor’s offices that deal with regulated medical waste. 

 

By choosing Mediwaste Disposal for all your biohazardous waste disposal needs, you’ll ensure your facility is safely discarding these dangerous materials. If you’re in the Southwest region and you require expert biohazard disposal services, then give us a call!

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How To Identify Biohazardous Waste Disposal

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OSHA defines biohazardous waste as any item that carries a risk of having infectious or transmittable diseases. This type of waste is dangerous to staff, patients, or anyone who comes into contact with it. OSHA, along with USDOT, provides stringent directives on how to package and dispose of these materials properly. 

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At Mediwaste Disposal, we provide biohazardous medical disposal that is in full compliance with these directives and regulations. We specialize in the full collection, treatment, and disposal of regulated medical waste to ensure you are in full compliance with state regulations and avoid liability or fines for improper disposal. 

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Categories and Classes of Biohazard Waste

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Since 1988, the treatment and disposal of medical waste have been regulated by state environmental and health departments. Every state has a different state environmental protection agency that outlines regulations. Generally, however, there are different types of biohazardous wastes produced in healthcare and animal care facilities that include: 

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Solids

Solid biohazardous waste includes non-sharp materials that are contaminated or potentially contaminated with infectious diseases or animal specimens. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:

 

• Personal protective equipment

• Bed linens, sheets, and towels

• Pipettes 

• Dishes 

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Liquids 

Liquid biohazardous waste is liquid medical waste that is contaminated or has the potential to be contaminated with communicable diseases or infectious diseases. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:

 

• Human blood

• Bodily fluids

• Laboratory material

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Sharps

As the name suggests, these are sharp objects used in medical facilities that can become contaminated with harmful agents or infectious diseases. They pose a health risk to people that come in contact with their sharp edges. As per OSHA requirements, contaminated sharps should be disposed of immediately in specified containers that are puncture-proof. Sharps medical waste includes:

 

• Hypodermic needles

• Slides 

• Blades

• Broken or empty containers

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Pathological 

Facilities such as laboratories, surgical centers, offices of cosmetic surgeons, and others produce what is known as pathological waste. Pathological waste includes:

 

• Specimens

• Human tissue

• Anatomical parts

 

State regulations have specific guidelines on the collection, transportation, and biohazard waste disposal of the above. 

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Proper Classification of Medical Waste — The Universal Biohazard Symbol

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The accurate segregation of medical waste is an essential part of proper biohazard waste disposal. It helps to ensure the waste is contained safely and separated for collection.  That’s where the universal biohazard symbol comes into play.

 

The universal biohazard symbol is iconic, as its striking shape immediately draws attention to itself. The biohazard symbol—developed in 1966 by Charles L. Baldwin of Dow Chemicals and Robert S. Runkle of the NIH—was designed in order to serve myriad purposes. Used to properly classify medical waste, it’s unique and unambiguous, in order for it to not be confused for other symbols. As such, it’s easily recalled and recognizable. In fact, the design is symmetrical so it appears identical from every single angle. The symbol is also acceptable by various ethnic groups. It’s no surprise why the biohazard symbol has remained unchanged for over half a century. 

 

The biohazard symbol works in tandem with the red biohazard bag and container. The bag and container are a recognizable part of every doctor’s office, pharmacy, lab, or veterinary clinic, etc. They are meant to help facilities properly classify regulated waste material and biohazardous wastes. 

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Ensure Compliance with a Trusted Biohazard Disposal Company 

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Medical facilities produce various waste products. In addition to several other responsibilities and regulations, facilities need to ensure full compliance with state regulations and directives to avoid penalties or fines. Here, at Mediwaste Disposal, we offer biohazardous waste disposal services and a user-friendly online and compliance portal that will make your job easier. 

 

Get reliable and friendly service from start to finish. Rest assured that our team will take care of the collection, treatment, and disposal of all regulated medical waste so you don’t have to worry about it. Call us to speak with one of our team members to learn more about our hazardous waste disposal services, today!