Definition of Medical Waste

The Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 defines medical waste as "any solid waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biological matter." This definition includes actual body parts, used needles, bloody bandages, laboratory equipment and materials, and diagnostic materials. Anything that has come into physical contact with a person would be suspect.

Sharps

• Needles are typically put into "drop boxes" within medical facilities, and persons who use needles in a home setting are allowed to mail their used needles via specially packaged envelopes to an appropriate medical facility for destruction. There is also the option of "trading" used needles for new ones by mailing the used needle(s) to a medical facility.

Biologics

• Incineration is a widely used method in medical waste disposal, but many newer methods have been put into effect as well. Chemical disinfection is one such treatment for medical waste. Large human parts or animal carcasses may be shredded to reduce volume before disinfection in addition to simply saving space. Another method is the use of a sanitary landfill; precautions are taken so that the disposed parts will not contaminate the soil or run a risk of coming into contact with living humans or animals.

Alternative Disposal Methods

• Glassware, scalpels and containers can be recycled after a lengthy sterilization process. Previously used hypodermic needles are not an item that would routinely be reused. However, if extreme care is taken in disinfecting and sterilizing the used item, low-income medical facilities may be able to reuse the needles. Perhaps the most obvious example of human recycling is organ donation. On a person's death, any viable organs or tissues may be taken from the deceased and transplanted to a person in need.

Risks Associated with Medical Waste

• Many guidelines have been set to safely dispose of medical waste, but human error can easily cause dangerous situations in the disposal process. If left untreated before incineration, certain chemicals may combust and result in production of toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide. Pressurized containers should not be incinerated due to potential for explosion. Illegal dumping of medical waste may result in environmental pollution and widespread infections for a given area.

Handling Medical Waste

• Any person who works in a medical facility undergoes rigorous training to understand the risks associated with handling medical waste and how to handle the materials properly. In addition to training, they receive numerous immunizations to protect them from illness. People who commonly handle the materials are health care providers, custodians, waste management equipment operators, waste management specialists and general waste-disposal personnel. They are provided with masks, sturdy boots, industrial aprons, gloves and any other protective gear deemed necessary. Medical personnel take great care with the patients presented to them and often impact their lives in a positive manner.