Navigating COVID-19 Healthcare Waste: Innovative Solutions for Safe and Secure Disposal
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare waste management has taken center stage. It’s crucial to ensure that waste is disposed of safely and securely. Join us as we explore expert solutions for effective waste disposal designed to protect public health and the environment. Together, we can tackle this challenge head-on!
In 2020, the world was hit by a widespread viral infection that devastated the medical community. Hospital beds were scarce, PPE was hard to come by, and medical professionals worked around the clock to try to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The result was exhausted staff and innumerable medical waste that wouldn’t have existed without the virus. Secure Waste can help with our Regulated COVID waste disposal.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 affects medical waste and continues a year after the world slowly returns to normal. As individuals continue to use test kits, COVID-19-related medical waste continues.
The WHO estimated that by February 2022, COVID test kits account for 731,000 liters of chemical waste and 2,600 tonnes of general medical waste. That’s not even considering the millions of units of medical masks, gowns, and gloves produced by healthcare workers. Every month in 2020, healthcare workers needed approximately 89 masks per month. That number has likely dropped, but consumption is still higher than before pre-2020.
While mitigating the PPE thrown on the ground by the general public is difficult, medical facilities must uphold a high standard of care. This includes properly disposing of all potentially infected sharps and paper waste. Unfortunately, the WHO notes that 30% of healthcare facilities are ill-equipped to handle the added COVID-19 waste load.
Affordable waste management companies like Secure Waste are then responsible.
Secure Waste has developed COVID-specific practices to adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT), CDC, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations on handling and transporting such waste.
COVID-19 Medical Waste Solutions
Secure Waste serves Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., providing the medical waste solutions needed to help stop the accidental spread of COVID-19.
Needle and sharps waste, PPE, and biohazards represent a significant portion of the waste generated in practices associated with COVID-19 treatment and testing. Even vaccination centers produce considerable needle and biohazard waste, requiring proper management and disposal.
Following DOT, OSHA, CDC, and local guidelines, Secure Waste works closely with medical facilities to ensure all COVID-related waste is properly disposed of. The company will provide the necessary tools and containers to remove COVID-specific waste, helping to control and maintain potential infections from contaminated materials.
If there is any confusion about handling medical waste and sharps, Secure Waste can answer all questions and comprehensively review proper disposal practices.
Suppose changes to CDC, OSHA, or DOT regulations regarding the handling and transporting of COVID-19 medical waste occur. In that case, Secure Waste representatives will update the facility with all necessary information and required containers and bags.
Preventing the Spread
Though the number of COVID cases has been trending downward, the potential for a spike is still high, especially during flu season. Medical facilities must remain diligent in handling medical, needle, and biohazard waste. Secure Waste is critical in advising on proper waste management and creating affordable plans for individual facilities.
Want to know more about how Secure Waste can help dispose of COVID-19 waste? Contact them today to learn more about the no-contract, flexible waste disposal schedule that strictly adheres to all regulatory guidelines.
Expert Medical Waste Management: With over 25 years of industry experience, Secure Waste is a trusted local leader in hazardous and biohazardous waste disposal across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Specializing in medical waste management, sharps needle disposal, and biohazard waste removal, the company ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
The company also offers additional services, including secure document shredding and sharps container sales, providing comprehensive solutions for healthcare facilities and businesses. Our cost-effective services help clients maintain regulatory compliance without unexpected costs.
With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Secure Waste offers tailored waste management plans that align with industry best practices. Their team of experts provides reliable, timely, and compliant services, making them the preferred choice for medical waste disposal. For a free waste quote or more information, visit www.securewaste.net
