How to Dispose of Medical Waste from At Home Care
Home Care is one of the fastest-growing trends in the healthcare industry. Many factors have led to growth in this industry, with an aging population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the movement toward more cost-efficient medical care all playing a part. The industry’s growth is also creating more medical waste, and providers are having to learn how to dispose of medical waste from at home care.
Home care’s growth comes from the great benefits it provides to patients, with many choosing it to save money and receive services in the comfort of their own homes. In-home medical care covers a wide range of services from vitamin injections to chemotherapy. Each procedure has the potential to generate medical waste, creating a need for medical waste management and disposal from home. Medical Waste Pros offers disposal systems tailored to the needs of the home healthcare industry. Our safe disposal options keep providers and patients safe while complying with waste regulations.
Types of Waste Generated with Home Care
Home care providers will need to be able to collect and transport small amounts of at-home medical waste, including regulated medical waste. They will need the appropriate containers and packaging to handle waste safely.
Medical waste generated by home care commonly includes:
- Syringes, needles, & lancets (sharps)
- Tubing
- Pharmaceutical waste
- Items contaminated with trace chemotherapy waste
- Used PPE, bandages, dressings, & swabs
- Items contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids
Sharps
Sharps present a risk based on their potential to spread bloodborne pathogens and cause injury. Needlestick injuries occur when sharps are not properly handled or disposed of improperly. They can harm providers, patients, family members, pets, and waste handlers. Place used sharps immediately in a puncture-proof, leak-resistant container and dispose of them professionally.
Regulated Medical Waste (RMW)
RMW includes items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials. To prevent accidental exposure, all RMW should be placed in securely sealed bags or containers and disposed of professionally.
Pharmaceutical Waste
Unused, leftover, or expired medications should not be flushed down the toilet or drain. (Unless specifically listed on the FDA’s Flush List.) Even small quantities can contaminate our drinking water and cause negative ecological effects. Professional disposal ensures that medications are treated properly and responsibly disposed of.
Trace Chemotherapy Waste
Trace chemotherapy waste includes IV tubing, medicine bags, vials, PPE, and more. The EPA defines chemo waste as hazardous medical waste, requiring specific handling and disposal. State guidelines for hazardous waste may vary, so be sure to follow local regulations. Medical Waste Pros can help you navigate these regulations and comply with all mandates.
Disposal Services for Home Health Care
Home care generates medical waste on a much smaller scale than a hospital or clinic treating many patients a day. Smaller quantities require specialized disposal services to keep costs low and waste management processes practical. Medical Waste Pros answers the how to dispose of small-scale medical waste from home care question.
Medical Waste Mail Back
Mail back services allow you to package your medical waste and send it in for proper disposal. Your disposal company will provide you with the needed components to package your waste safely. The system will include triple-layer protection – a spill-resistant bag and two cardboard boxes. Make sure that your boxes are properly labeled and include a medical waste manifest.
Sharps Drop Off Services
Sharps collections sites are available in most areas. You can search for locations near you with our online system. The disposal company will instruct you on how to package and deliver your sharps for quick and secure disposal. Drop off services are convenient and affordable for small-scale sharps generators.
Find Home Care Medical Waste Disposal Services Near You
Medical Waste Pros offers home care medical waste disposal services nationwide. We partner with reliable medical waste companies that offer safe and affordable options. Give us a call at (888) 755-6370 or fill out the form to learn more today. We will connect you with local providers within minutes and send you free, competitive price quotes on medical waste disposal services.
