Infectious Waste
Infectious waste is that which can potentially cause infection and disease. Also referred to as "red bag" or biohazardous waste, infectious waste is distinct from hazardous waste. Examples include medical sharps and contaminated pathology or laboratory wastes. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has developed numerous resources for the health care industry that include: rules for packaging, labeling, handling and segregation of infectious waste a requirement for transporters and storage, treatment and disposal facilities to submit management plans storage, transport, spill response, treatment and disposal standards a requirement for generators to develop and follow a management plan. The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) maintains an on-line list of canister-free and reusable canister vacuum systems. Businesses may save on labor, disposal and purchase costs by using these systems to reduce infectious waste. For on-line help reducing health care related wastes and preventing associated pollution, visit Hospitals for a Healthy Environment and Health Care Without Harm. For more information, visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency web site or call (651) 296-6300.
Resources & Links
Success Stories
A Prescription for Reducing Solid Waste
Health East Midway Outpatient Center in St. Paul changed its approach
to suctioning body fluids in surgery. The center had been using three
to five suction canisters per surgery case for containing fluids
removed during procedures. After each procedure, the contents of the
canisters were disposed of as infectious waste and the canisters were
thrown away.
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