Medical Waste
Disposal Service
Proper disposal of medical waste is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect public health. Superior Medical Waste Disposal LLC is a medical waste company in Detroit, MI that specializes in the safe and compliant handling of regulated medical waste. Learn about the proper storage, transportation, and treatment of medical waste to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and the general public.
What is Medical Waste?
The correct term to use when discussing biohazard waste is Regulated Medical Waste (RMW). Regulated Medical waste is solid waste that may be contaminated by blood or other potentially infectious materials. The best agency to follow when defining RMW is the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
The red biohazard bags and containers seen throughout healthcare facilities are used to safely store Regulated Medical Waste. Sharps are stored into puncture-resistant containers prior to being placed inside the red biohazard bin for added protection. The RMW is removed on a scheduled basis and replaced with a clean container at every service.
The EGLE defines Regulated Medical Waste as:
- Cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals, including laboratory waste, biological production wastes, discarded live and attenuated vaccines, culture dishes, and related devices.
- Liquid human and animal waste, including blood and blood products and body fluids, but not including urine or materials stained with blood or body fluids.
- Pathological waste.
- Sharps.
- Contaminated wastes from animals that have been exposed to agents infectious to humans, these being primarily research animals.
Medical Waste Producer Best Practices
Prior to producing, storing, or removing your facilities medical waste make sure to contact your local environmental authority for any questions on the regulations and laws. Ask about the handling procedures on Regulated Medical Waste for your particular state. For example, in Michigan, medical waste producers are only allowed to store medical waste up to 90 days before they have to have it properly removed by a licensed medical waste vendor.
Treatment & Disposal of Medical Waste
Treating medical waste typically involves an autoclave. This machine steam heats medical waste at extreme temperatures for a long enough time to completely disinfect all potential biological threats. After the waste has been steam treated it is considered regular waste and is disposed of in a sanitary landfill. At Superior Medical Waste our RMW is autoclaved as well as shredded to reduce waste volume by 70% before going to the landfill. Learn more about our medical waste disposal process here.
Superior Can Help With All Medical Waste Concerns
We know more than anyone how complicated Regulated Medical Waste regulations can be. At Superior, we are professionals in biohazard knowledge. We are up-to-date on all federal and local RMW laws. If your facility needs help classifying, storing, transporting, or staying compliant: contact us today for a free consultation.
