Maybe you’re not sure what exactly happens to your medical waste. Or maybe you just want to make sure that you’re handling yours in the safest way possible. 

Let’s look at how medical disposal is sanitized and disposed of and how often it’s typically picked up.

Medical Waste Disposal Process

Licensed biohazard waste haulers are responsible for collecting medical waste from your site and transporting it to a specialized facility where initial sanitization takes place, enabling proper disposal. This sanitization process occurs through either autoclave or incineration.

Incineration, as the name suggests, involves burning the waste materials. However, this process does release gases into the environment, a less-than-ideal outcome. Moreover, it generates ashes that cannot be simply discarded with regular waste. Autoclave, on the other hand, is more costly but generally more efficient and, some argue, safer.  Medical waste is placed in a drum, which is then subjected to pressurization and heating. This process eliminates germs and microorganisms, making the waste similar to regular trash, safe for disposal or recycling.

Scheduling Services for Medical Waste

When it comes to scheduling, medical waste shares some similarities with other forms of waste: if you generate a substantial amount, more frequent pickups are necessary. However, unlike regular trash, medical waste can pose health risks if left unattended for extended periods. While regular trash might become smelly if neglected, it is unlikely to pose lethal threats. Some types of red bag waste can damage human tissue or even be radioactive. You don't want to just leave this type of material lying around for too long. If anything, it's best to err on the side of more frequent pickups. This is not the kind of waste to handle casually.

Since 1988, US Med-Disposal, Inc. has been working hard to simplify the medical waste removal and disposal process, backed by substantially lower rates and truly local service. Our office is based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and we take pride in serving the entire state of Texas. To learn how we can help simplify your medical/biohazardous waste pickup, give us a call at 800-256-4794.