It’s your reputation on the line

We’ve all heard that expression that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. And it definitely applies to choosing a medical waste provider for your organization. Proper disposal of medical waste is crucial to protecting the community and the environment. Organizations that violate OSHA, FDA and state regulations are often subject to hefty fines and even serious legal ramifications. How does this affect you as the medical waste generator?

Read on to find out more.

From Cradle to Grave: You’re Responsible

Whether you’re a hospital, treatment facility, tattoo parlor, clinic or some other organization that generates any kind of medical waste, you’re responsible for that waste, from the moment it’s generated until it’s permanently disposed of. There is no time limit or expiration date on your responsibility. And this responsibility can not and never will be transferred, even when you hire a medical waste disposal provider to haul away and dispose of your waste.

Due diligence required

Although it makes sense to choose a provider that offers great rates—after all you want to save as much money as possible for your business, we all know that in the end, you always get what you pay for. And when it comes to ensuring that your medical waste is disposed of as required by the law, you want to make sure you’ve chosen a reputable and responsible company.

Because there are organizations out there who not only don’t deliver what they promise but also violate the regulations of the industry—and eventually get caught.

Caught red-handed

The recent fine issued against Sharps MD, a medical waste disposal company in the state of Florida, demonstrates how crucial it is to choose the right partner for your medical waste.

Sharps MD was found to be in possession of over 12 trailer loads of unprocessed medical waste which had been stockpiled for over a year on the company’s leased property in Tampa. The company’s activities involve multiple counties and also include potential violations of various Federal regulations involving medical waste management activities overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, Drug Enforcement Agency, US Department of Transportation, and OSHA. In addition, inspection reports acknowledged by Sharps MD representatives, involves improper management of pharmaceutical wastes, improper labeling of wastes, and the transportation of wastes across state lines in unregistered leased vehicles without the required interstate endorsements to transport hazardous materials.

As a result of these findings, Sharps MD was issued one of the largest fines the State Department of Health has ever issued to a medical waste services company. This company, which is part of a large network of medical waste providers, put all of their clients at great risk because of their illegal, disreputable and fraudulent activities.

When choosing your medical waste provider, be sure to take the time to research their background and reach out to other organizations that are working with the companies you’re considering. Price alone should never be the determinant for the decision because violations could lead to costly fines later.

At All Points Medical Waste, we pride ourselves on our transparency and integrity—as well as the deep relationships we’ve built with our clients over the years. We’re happy to talk to you about your medical waste disposal needs and happy to answer your questions. Give us a call today at 772.600.4885 to find out more about how we can help you.