PRESTON’S MEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL:
PROTECTING PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT Although modern practices, regulations, and laws recognize the importance of proper medical waste disposal, this was not always the case. In fact, up until the mid-1960s, the disposal of medical waste was largely unregulated. Imagine a world in which medical waste from every doctor’s office, dentist’s office, hospital, clinic, veterinary office, funeral home, and care facility was never addressed. Unless you work in the health care or medical industries, medical waste probably isn’t something you think about. However, improper medical waste disposal can pose potential risks for everyone—not just for health care workers or medical professionals. Pathogens and toxic pollutants from the improper disposal of medical waste can indirectly be released and spread into the surrounding environment, possibly leading to the contamination of drinking, surface, and ground waters. Additionally, if medical waste is dumped into poorly constructed landfills, the resulting pollution can negatively affect land and wildlife. Waste or by-products that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious material is considered medical waste. Medical and dental offices, hospitals, veterinary clinics, and other health facilities all produce medical waste. You may recall seeing red biohazard bags or containers in your doctor’s office. These containers are used to identify and temporarily contain
medical waste and are essential in protecting practitioners and health care workers. Improperly discarded needles may expose workers to potential needle-stick injuries and infection. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 385,000 sharps-related injuries occur annually among health care workers in hospitals. The management and disposal of medical waste should not be treated lightly. Good waste management practices keep the environment and employees safe from the dangers found in the use and disposal of medical waste materials. Preston’s Medical Waste Disposal is southern Utah’s only locally owned medical waste disposal company. Protecting people and the environment from the risks associated with biohazardous medical waste is at the heart of what we do: • Medical, infectious, and lab waste pick up and disposal • Biohazard and sharps removal • Expired prescriptions and pharmaceuticals disposal • On-site document shredding in compliance with all HIPPA, GLB, and FACTA regulations
• Online training program to educate health care providers in the proper management and handling of health care waste. No matter where in southern Utah your business is located, there are specific regulations to follow when it comes to the storage and pickup of medical waste. At Preston’s, our goal is to provide you with convenient and easy options for your medical waste products, allowing you to remain compliant with all federal, state, and local laws. For more information about medical waste disposal or to discuss how Preston’s Medical Waste Disposal can be of service to your office or business, please call (435) 688-1987.
St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2021 35
