Safe, Proper Disposal is Essential

As the manager or owner of a tattoo parlor, it’s critical that you know and understand the rules and regulations of safe and proper disposal of all the medical waste you generate. And while hospitals, physician’s offices and other heath care related organizations may have more types of waste, the waste you generate from performing tattoo art can be hazardous if it is not disposed of correctly. Take a look:

What Types of Medical Waste Comes from Tattoo Parlors?

Tattoos are created by inserting needles into the skin and piercing through layers of epidermis, the needles come in contact with bodily fluids including blood. Because of this, the needles are considered medical waste. In addition to the sharps used in the process, there are other items and materials used that also can be classified as medical waste and pose a risk to people, animals and the environment if disposed improperly including:

• Lancets
• Gauze
• Dressings
• Needle covers
• Gloves
• Leftover ink
• Cotton Swabs
• Protective Gowns & other PPE

Risks of Improper Disposal

Just like all medical waste, tattoo parlor waste can be dangerous if accidental exposure occurs because the waste can contain bloodborne pathogens. Exposure can lead to several bloodborne diseases including: 

• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
• Human Immunodeficiency (HIV)
• Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) 

These diseases can cause serious health issues and lifelong conditions for those affected.

Managing Your Tattoo Parlor Waste

In order to remain compliant with local and federal mandates, it’s important to manage your tattoo parlor waste and ensure that it is safely stored on premises and disposed of properly. Sharps, needles, scalpels, razor blades, disposable razors and other similar items should be placed in an approved sharps container. Be sure to never overfill the container and that the lid is closed and locked at all times. Items that have been soaked with blood or exposed to other bodily fluids including gauze, dressings, gloves, cotton swabs and cotton balls, plastic tattoo gun covers and other items should be placed in a red biohazard bag.

When it comes to your tattoo parlor and medical waste, following your state regulations and federal mandates will help ensure that your facility avoids hefty fines and reduce the risk of exposing the community to dangerous pathogens. Partnering with a reputable medical waste disposal company is the top way to make sure your waste is disposed of and destroyed securely and on a regular basis.

All Points Medical Waste can help you by providing full-service medical waste disposal for your tattoo parlor. We are a family owned company located in Stuart, Florida and serving South Florida Counties throughout the Treasure Coast and within Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Broward Counties. Give us a call today or fill out this form to learn more about how we can serve you.