Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Write For Us
    • Guest Post
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
    Metapress
    • News
    • Technology
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Science / Health
    • Travel
    Metapress

    The Sharps Waste Disposal Process in 3 Steps

    Lakisha DavisBy Lakisha DavisApril 9, 2022
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    The sharps waste disposal process in 3 steps
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The sharps waste disposal process should be known to all medical facilities using hypodermic needles to treat patients. Within the healthcare industry, this is one of the most common, but also one of the most hazardous types of medical waste, due to its ability to easily propagate infections by piercing the skin. Therefore, your waste management system definitely needs to have a solution to treat this kind of healthcare waste as soon as it is generated.

    According to Celitron, the sharps waste disposal process can be summarized in 3 main steps:

    1. Collection and segregation

    2. Storage

    3. Off-site/on-site disposal

    The 1st Step of the Sharps Waste Disposal Process: Collection and Segregation into Special Containers

    The sharps waste disposal process starts as soon as the waste is generated. Hypodermic needles need to be collected into puncture-proof containers that prevent sharps from piercing through and prickling the skin of medical staff. Sharps waste containers are marked by the universal biohazard symbol to make sure that all personnel handling them knows that they are dealing with hazardous waste, and dispose of it appropriately when the time comes. Sharps waste containers are also color-coded to make the segregation and identification of the different types of medical waste easier. Depending on your region, these containers can be yellow, red, or even white.

    Sharps waste can be highly infectious, which is why medical staff also need to wear the appropriate protective equipment whenever collecting this hazardous waste.

    The 2nd Step of the Sharps Waste Disposal Process: Storing Containers in a Separate Area

    The sharps waste disposal process naturally includes the storage of hypodermic needles in an appropriate area.

    The more separated storage area you can find, the better. This is because until the waste can be treated, it still represents a potential risk to all people in the vicinity, so staff must act accordingly, even if sharps waste is already stored in a container. To reduce infection risks, sharps waste needs to be far from any highly-populated areas like cafeterias or patient wards.

    Keep in mind that sharps waste containers are considered “full” when they are at about 75% capacity. Never try to push down sharps waste to make place for more waste, as you may cut or sting yourself.

    The 3rd step of the sharps waste disposal process: off-site or on-site removal of containers

    The final step of the sharps waste disposal process is of course the removal of the waste itself. Once a container is full, there are two main ways to dispose of it: through off-site and on-site disposal methods.

    Among the most popular off-site methods is incineration, which includes the services of a licensed waste disposal company that will transport the waste to a select location where sharps waste will be destroyed.

    However, among the more modern methods, on-site sharps waste disposal is gaining increasing popularity in medical facilities all around the world. By combining the process of steam sterilization with medical waste shredding, facilities can use on-site machines to treat sharps waste and render it to a state that doesn’t represent any risk of infection anymore.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Lakisha Davis

      Lakisha Davis is a tech enthusiast with a passion for innovation and digital transformation. With her extensive knowledge in software development and a keen interest in emerging tech trends, Lakisha strives to make technology accessible and understandable to everyone.

      Follow Metapress on Google News
      CerebrumIQ reviews show creatives care more about self-awareness than scores
      June 23, 2025
      Choosing the Right Medical Answering Service: What to Look For
      June 23, 2025
      Is Laser Hair Removal in Dubai Safe and Painless
      June 23, 2025
      Business Promotion With Cheapest SMM panel
      June 23, 2025
      How SD-WAN Works: Unpacking the Technology Behind Modern Networking
      June 23, 2025
      ZEE5’s new movie Detective Sherdil delivers suspense, comedy, and a brilliant lead performance
      June 23, 2025
      iGaming Affiliate Programs: How to Choose and Maximize Your Profits
      June 23, 2025
      The Complete Guide to Contemporary Drinkable Edibles: Trends and Innovations
      June 23, 2025
      Affordable Healthy Food Options for People
      June 23, 2025
      The Computerized Pre Roll Sector: Development Prospects and Industry Developments
      June 23, 2025
      Understanding Your Dog’s Sleep Patterns: Natural Ways to Enhance Canine Rest
      June 23, 2025
      Smart Backyard Farming: How Technology is Revolutionizing Poultry Care
      June 23, 2025
      Metapress
      • Contact Us
      • About Us
      • Write For Us
      • Guest Post
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Service
      © 2025 Metapress.

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.