Drop-off sites
If you live in Los Angeles, there are several drop-off sites for medical waste. These sites accept various types of medical waste, including sharps, pharmaceuticals, plastic containers, glass bottles, fluorescent lights, and biomedical waste. You can find drop-off locations near you by using resources from the CalRecycle website.
A regulated medical waste service provider picks up these medical waste items regularly. Proper disposal is required by law, and not following proper procedures can result in serious fines and even the loss of your medical license.
Requirements
If you’re a Los Angeles business owner, you must ensure that you follow all required laws and regulations regarding the disposal of medical waste. These regulations protect public health by limiting the release of harmful bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. For example, medical waste should never be flushed down the toilet, as this increases the risk of contamination. Instead, you should schedule regular pickups of medical waste. These pickups will help you plan ahead for future needs.
Medical waste disposal in Los Angeles must adhere to strict state regulations. The Department of Health and Safety Regulation (OSHA) regulates the Los Angeles medical waste disposal transportation and handling of medical waste. In addition, there are additional regulations set by local authorities, some of which overlap with federal regulations.
Costs
Biomedical waste disposal is a necessary part of running a healthcare facility. In Los Angeles, California, hospitals generate nearly 6,000 pounds of solid waste every day. Medical offices and outpatient centers produce roughly 2,000 pounds. While not all medical waste is infectious or hazardous, staff must be trained in how to properly segregate waste streams and maintain compliance with regulations.
Ordinary waste from a clinic or medical office is typically priced around 10 cents per pound. However, medical waste disposal can be costly, resulting in costs of up to 50 cents per pound. Though this may seem like a small difference, it can add up quickly.
Options
If you live in Los Angeles, you have a variety of options for medical waste disposal. Some companies are local and will collect your waste and transport it to a regulated facility. Others offer drop-off services that can help you dispose of small quantities of regulated medical waste. In addition, many drop-off sites accept medical waste generated by businesses, though some only take medical waste from residential facilities.
Medical waste disposal must be done safely, and it is important to know the laws and regulations governing the disposal of this type of waste. While some of the waste can be disposed of at a drop-off location, other types of medical waste are not suitable for such disposal. In such cases, it is best to find a professional medical waste disposal company. These companies provide convenience and a fast and easy method of disposing of this type of waste.