It’s no secret that the US generates billions of tons of waste annually. The food industry alone generates 164,000 metric tons of waste every single day. However, what might be surprising to some is that the healthcare industry is actually the second-leading in waste generation. On average, healthcare facilities generate 6,600 metric tons of waste everyday or around 3.5 million tons every year. So, what accounts for all this waste?
One of the main contributors are needles, as needles cannot be re-used in any capacity for health reasons. Aside from this, other sharp objects like scalpels and scalpels are commonly found in larger healthcare facilities for major procedures and surgeries. Cleaning fluids and sterilant are also commonly found in waste, as sterilizing equipment is another essential step to maintain health standards. Other hazards such as expired pharmaceuticals and controlled substances are a major risk for dumpster divers.
Ultimately, the high possibility of exposure to hazardous materials means proper waste disposal is key. Fortunately, medical waste disposal companies like Amergy Disposal make it easy to take care of waste. They offer flexible pickups, transparent prices, and a service guarantee. Ultimately, if you want to get your mind off waste and get back to helping patients, partnering with a waste disposal company is the right move for you.
Source: Amergy Disposal