As part of the settlement, Quest Diagnostics will maintain an environmental compliance program, including hiring a third-party waste auditor, and will report on progress annually.

Health care is a major polluter both in terms of emissions and contributions to landfills. The combined health sectors of the United States, Australia, England, and Canada emit an estimated 748 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year, more than all but the six top polluting countries in the world.

In the fast-paced environment of medical facilities, proper sharps disposal might not always be top of mind. However, overlooking this critical aspect of waste management can have far-reaching consequences. Let’s explore the top five reasons why proper sharps disposal is indispensable for medical organizations. 1. Prevention of Needlestick Injuries Needlestick injuries are a constant concern for healthcare workers. Proper sharps disposal significantly reduces the risk of these injuries, protecting the health and safety of medical […]

Sharps waste, including needles, syringes, and lancets, poses significant risks to public health and the environment if not properly managed. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the importance of sharps disposal, regulatory guidelines, safe handling methods, professional disposal services, environmental impact, and community education initiatives. Understanding Sharps Waste Sharps waste encompasses a wide range of medical devices designed to puncture or lacerate the skin. This category includes needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharps items […]

Navigating the complexities of medical waste management requires a trusted partner who can simplify the process while ensuring compliance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Waste Medic emerges as the solution for healthcare facilities and organizations seeking efficient waste disposal services. Explore how Waste Medic addresses key aspects of medical waste management with expertise and reliability. Compliance: Meeting Regulatory Standards with Precision Ensuring compliance with stringent regulations governing medical waste disposal is imperative for healthcare organizations. Waste Medic […]

Effective medical waste management is essential for healthcare facilities to maintain safety and compliance. Waste Medic specializes in providing comprehensive solutions tailored to your medical waste management needs. Here’s why Waste Medic should be your top choice for professional medical waste management services: Expertise & Reliability With years of experience in the industry, Waste Medic offers specialized services designed to handle all aspects of medical waste management. Our team of experts evaluates your current practices […]

Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know… Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), the infectious microorganisms in human blood and other bodily fluids known as “other potentially infectious materials,” can cause diseases that include hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Of course, healthcare workers face the greatest risks from BBPs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that […]

In an era where healthcare advancements are at their peak, an often overlooked, yet critical, aspect is the management of pharmaceutical waste. This intricate balance of cost, compliance, and environmental responsibility is not just a mere operational challenge, but a necessity for sustainable healthcare practices. With the increasing volume of medical waste generated in the United States, the urgency to address this issue has never been more pronounced. This article delves into the nuances of […]