Medical waste management is an essential component of the U.S. healthcare industry. This is mainly because medical waste can pose a public health hazard if not disposed of properly.
It is also possible for medical waste to be severely harmful to the environment, not to mention cause economic instability. In 2024, the sheer volume of medical waste continues to grow. This means it is more important than ever before for healthcare facilities to prioritize proper waste disposal.
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What Is Medical Waste?
Medical waste is any material generated during medical procedures and processes. This includes diagnostics, treatment, and immunization. When patients are injected or operated on, the needles, syringes, and scalpels used eventually become medical waste.
If a person is sick with a contagious illness, any material contaminated with their blood or bodily fluids is considered medical waste. Think of COVID-19 and all of the materials generated that were contaminated. That was especially hazardous because of how contagious COVID-19 is.
Moreover, medical waste includes pharmaceutical waste, such as unused or expired medications. It includes chemical waste like lab chemicals and disinfectants. Radioactive waste also counts as medical waste. This includes materials used for imaging and cancer treatments.
Some waste can be safely disposed of in landfills using the proper protocols. Still, for the most part, medical waste requires specialized handling to prevent harm.
Public Health Risks of Improper Disposal
Medical waste can cause several public health risks. These include the following:
- Infectious diseases. When medical waste is not properly discarded, it exposes the environment and the public to dangerous pathogens. Sharps (needles and syringes) can carry serious infections like hepatitis C and even HIV.
This risk also affects medical personnel and patients in the form of healthcare-associated infections.
Antimicrobial resistance. If medications and antibiotics are not disposed of correctly, they can land in water supplies or soil. When this happens, it can contribute to AMR or antimicrobial resistance. AMR is the result of evolving bacteria that gain the ability to resist the drugs meant to kill them.
This can lead to a global health crisis, which will make medical treatments less effective.
Toxic exposure. Pharmaceutical and chemical waste contains hazardous substances that can be toxic to humans. This is especially true if these substances are inhaled, ingested, or absorbed.
Environmental Impacts of Medical Waste
If regulations are not followed when disposing of medical waste and it ends up in the soil and water, it can affect human drinking water, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems.
Sometimes, medical waste is burned in open spaces, which is improper protocol. When medical waste burns, it releases toxic pollutants into the air. These pollutants include dioxins and furans, carcinogens that will affect air quality over large areas.
Economic Costs of Mismanaged Medical Waste
Dangerous medical waste affects the public and the environment and can lead to severe financial repercussions.
When medical waste causes severe illness, it adds to the already heavy burden on the U.S. healthcare system.
Companies and medical facilities that do not comply with the rules and laws will suffer reputational damage and receive massive fines. This in itself impacts the economy as well.
There are also costs associated with cleaning up public sites affected by medical waste. Professionals must remediate contaminated sites and environmental damage must be curbed.
Solutions for Safe Medical Waste Disposal
Healthcare facilities must stay on top of federal, state, and local medical waste disposal regulations. U.S. agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration can guide waste management.
Medical companies can also streamline their medical waste disposal by partnering with reputable medical waste management companies. This is a surefire way to treat and dispose of medical waste safely.
Medical waste management should also be something everyone in a healthcare environment is aware of. Healthcare staff must understand all the risks associated with improper handling. They should also receive ongoing training about medical waste disposal.
Public awareness campaigns can go a long way in raising general awareness about the dangers of medical waste.
Safe Medical Waste Disposal Protects Communities
Improper disposal of medical waste is dangerous to public health and the environment. Medical waste will also always be around because medical services are essential worldwide.
This is why waste management requires an effort from several parties, including health providers, regulators, and the public.
With the help of a certified medical waste management provider, healthcare companies can ensure they follow the rules. This will ensure a healthier and safer environment for everyone.
Dr. Alexander Tabibi is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for sustainable innovation with a deep commitment to leveraging technology for environmental and social good. As a thought leader at the intersection of business and sustainability, Dr. Tabibi brings a strategic vision to Green.org, helping guide its mission to inspire global climate awareness and actionable change.
With a background in both medicine and business, Dr. Tabibi combines analytical rigor with entrepreneurial insight.
