Types of Waste & Proper Disposal

Ambulatory centers provide a vital service to their communities, offering outpatient services, including surgeries that allow patients to avoid overnight stays in hospitals. In addition, these centers often provide a more comfortable, calm environment and lower out of pocket costs. But just like hospitals and other healthcare facilities, Ambulatory Centers generate medical waste that must be disposed of properly. Take a look:

Medical Waste Generated in Ambulatory Centers

Ambulatory centers provide a vast array of services including:

• Gastroenterology treatments including colonoscopies, endoscopies and polyp removal
• Ophthalmology procedures including cataracts removal, glaucoma treatments and laser eye surgeries
• Vascular procedures including varicose vein treatment and pacemaker battery changes
• Ear, nose and throat treatments including tonsil removal, sinus surgery and removal of benign lesions
• Orthopedic procedures including minor fracture repairs, minor joint surgery and injections
• Urology and proctology procedures, including vasectomies, kidney stone treatments, and prostate biopsies
• Chemotherapy treatments

These procedures generate a variety of medical waste including:

Regulated Medical Waste (RMW): This includes any waste that has been contaminated with infectious pathogens including blood, bodily fluids and blood products.

Sharps: This includes needles, lancets, scalpels and other other sharps that pose a risk for injury and illness if exposure occurs.

Chemotherapy Waste: This includes any items or medications that are used during the chemotherapy treatment process.

Safe and compliant disposal

Although some ambulatory centers may generate less waste than their hospital counterparts, safe and compliant disposal is still crucial. Not only is it necessary to protect staff, patients and visitors, but also to avoid violations and fines. Ambulatory centers must partner with a reputable medical waste provider and set up a regular schedule for waste pick up. Centers should have approved waste collection containers onsite that are leak and spill proof and have locking lids.

All Points Medical Waste provides medical waste disposal services to ambulatory centers throughout Florida. We are a family-owned and operated company located in Stuart, Florida, serving healthcare and similar facilities from Broward County all the way to Okeechobee County. Give us a call today or complete the form on this page to get a quick quote.