Skip to main content

Each year, U.S. hospitals produce about 2.6 million tons of medical waste. That’s the equivalent of about 5,200 garbage trucks. Not only is this a significant strain on the environment, but it’s also very costly for hospitals to dispose of all this waste properly. In this article, we’ll explore how hospital managers are deploying cost-saving strategies to help them reduce the costs of medical waste disposal.

Segregate Medical Waste & Processes

The first step to reducing the costs of medical waste disposal is to segregate waste. This means separating hazardous and non-hazardous waste so that it can be disposed of properly. Hospital managers can work with their staff to create a system for segregation that is both effective and efficient. Hazardous waste should always be disposed of first, as it poses the greatest risk to human health and the environment.

Non-hazardous waste can often be recycled or reused, which can save the hospital money in disposal costs. By segregating waste, hospital managers can ensure that all medical waste is disposed of properly, which will help to reduce costs in the long run. Infectious medical waste must be treated with care because it could potentially spread disease. There are many ways to save on medical waste disposal costs, but segregation is the best place to start.

Book Consultation

Healthcare Waste Categories

As a hospital manager, one of the ways you can reduce costs on medical waste disposal is by categorising waste containers. This means separating different types of waste so that they can be disposed of more efficiently. For example, you might have separate bins for infectious waste, general waste, and hazardous waste. By doing this, you can make sure that the right type of waste goes into the right bin, which will save money and time in the long run.

Finally, another way to save money on medical waste disposal is by using onsite infectious medical waste sterilisation. This is a process where medical waste is put through specialist friction technology to sterilise it. This method is becoming increasingly popular as it is very effective at reducing the volume of waste that needs to be disposed of while being eco-conscious. It also means that there is less risk of hazardous materials being released into the environment.

1

Human Anatomical Waste

Onsite Waste Sterilisation:

Emerging markets are starting to adopt innovative medical waste solutions that bypass traditional infrastructure.

2

Infectious Paper & Plastic Waste

Onsite Waste Sterilisation:

Any waste that carries all the micro-organisms that are capable of passing on, and of a reasonably high chance of passing on a disease.

3

Sharps & Similar Waste

Onsite Waste Sterilisation:

Materials that can, will, or are capable of cutting or puncturing such as medical needles or syringes.

4

Radioactive Waste

Onsite Waste Sterilisation:

The Nuclear Energy Act of 1982 covers the handling and disposal of radioactive wastes.

Download PDF Guide & Start Planning.

Join our community to receive helpful materials.

Reusable Medical Products

Reusable medical products are becoming more and more popular as hospital managers work to reduce the costs of medical waste disposal. By using reusable products instead of disposable ones, hospitals can save a significant amount of money on waste disposal fees. In addition, they often last longer than their counterparts, providing cost savings over time.

There are many different types of reusable medical products available on the market today. One popular type is reusable electrodes. These reusable laparoscopic electrodes can be used multiple times, which helps to reduce the amount of waste that is generated. Another type of reusable medical product is reusable surgical instruments. These instruments can be sterilised and reused, which can save the hospital a significant amount of money in disposal costs.

As more and more hospitals look for ways to save money, we will likely see an increase in the use of reusable medical products. This trend is good news for both the environment and the bottom line. Here is a wishlist model of reusable item categories you can start using today.

1

Critical Devices

Critical devices carry a high risk of infection because they penetrate skin, contact bodily fluids, or enter otherwise sterile regions of the body.

Examples:
Surgical Forceps & Instruments | Catheters

2

Semi-Critical Devices

A device that comes into contact with the thin layer of mucous membranes, or the outermost layers of skin, but does not penetrate them.

Examples:
Airway & Suction Devices

3

Non-Critical Devices

Devices that will either only contact intact skin but do not penetrate it, or which have no direct effect on the patient.

Examples: Electrode Patches & Electrocardiogram

Upskill Staff & Internal Signage

Hospital managers can reduce costs on medical waste disposal in a number of ways, but one of the most effective is by upskilling their staff. By providing training on proper medical waste disposal procedures, hospital staff will be better equipped to handle and dispose of medical waste properly – especially during unexpected high-volume periods. Additionally, upskilling staff will also lead to a safer working environment for everyone involved.

Medical waste disposal is a critical part of hospital operations, and it’s important that staff are properly trained in order to minimize the risk of infection and other hazards. By providing regular training on medical waste disposal procedures, hospital managers can ensure that their staff are always up to date on the latest best practices. Additionally, this will also help to reduce the overall cost of medical waste disposal for the hospital by avoiding the misallocation of waste and the need for specialised sorting and picking.

Take a Closer Look