Segregation and Treatment of Waste

In states like Pennsylvania, segregating medical waste streams at the point of generation is mandatory. This best practice aids in effective tracking and disposal of different types, such as incineration or autoclavable waste.

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For example, various colored containers are commonly used to distinguish each type: yellow for trace chemotherapy, white and blue for non-hazardous pharmaceuticals, and red for common biohazard sharps. If your facility is utilizing cardboard boxes for packaging, there should be an area to identify these in each box too. This ensures each type is sent to its appropriate disposal facility.

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Remember, All medical waste does NOT have to be incinerated but some does. Here at Choice MedWaste we do incinerate all our waste but require segregation of each different types of waste at the point of generation.

Autoclaves

These are essential machines used to treat medical waste through steam and high-pressure –a crucial process before the waste reaches its final disposal site–helping to curb the spread of its pathogens and infectious substances.

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Widely used in healthcare and research facilities, large-scale autoclaves can handle significant volumes of regulated medical waste–which includes red bags, sharps, bloody products, etc.

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Once treated for a certain amount of time with high pressure and steam, the waste is now non infectious and can be transported to a permitted solid waste landfill or incinerator.

Incineration Waste

Encompasses trace chemotherapy, pathological, and non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste streams, these should be segregated from other medical waste streamsfor tracking and correct disposal at a permitted incinerator.

Although incineration is a common process, it comes at a higher price point than autoclaving due to strict air emission regulations, permitting challenges, and other various operational costs. That's why proper waste segregation is helpful to mitigate these costs for your facility.

Amalgam Waste

A mercury and metal alloy mixture used in dentistry creates this type of waste. As of July 14, 2020, the EPA mandates all dental practices to install a separator system to prevent this from contaminating any local waterways.

To help you, we at Choice MedWaste collaborate with Solmetex to offer a comprehensive solution for all your Amalgam separator needs, including a mail-back program as well as assistance in product selection for facilities of any size.

Hazardous Waste

This includes RCRA Pharmaceuticals, batteries, light bulbs, chemicals, and used oil–even though not infectious or biohazardous–still requires handling with an EPA manifest. Typically, these are taken to transfer stations for consolidation before being sent to their final disposal facility.

Responding to high demand, we've established a separate division, led by Ryan Georgov, to provide all localized solutions.

Paper Shredding

Although most industries are transitioning to a completely virtual environment, there is still a need for paper in some businesses we service. That's why we assist their secure disposal of paper from their administrative or daily business activities.

Whether it is a one-time purge or reoccurring pick-ups, our team at Choice MedWaste has various size bins and consoles to support your team.

Shipping Papers/Manifest Management

Note: The paperwork that is required for documenting the medical waste being picked up and transported is called a Shipping Paper. This terminology can be interchanged with a Manifest; however, the true definition of a manifest is for hazardous waste only.

Regardless if you call the paperwork  shipping papers or manifests, Choice MedWaste is happy to store and provide any previous paperwork you should need.

We prepare four carbon copies of the paperwork: one travels with the waste, one is for the generator, one is for us to record the pickup, and the other one is for the treatment facility. Once the original is signed by the latter, it's scanned, uploaded to your account, and sent back to you.

Also, our online portal, accessible with your account number and billing account telephone number, allows you to retrieve any previous manifests/shipping papers.