The Mounting Medical Waste Problem

Recycling Explained

When we think of medical waste, we often think of hospitals and clinics, but there are many others who have a waste stream equally as dangerous. Home healthcare, nursing homes, dental practices, laboratories, funeral homes, medical schools, veterinarians, hospices, and more – all generate infectious waste.

 

At Millennium, we take this seriously. Accidental needle sticks and exposure from contaminated plastics or other materials are extremely dangerous to our employees.

 

KEEP MEDICAL WASTE OUT OF THE RECYCLING BIN:

  • No Lancets, sharps, needles, syringes and other sharp objects (Use the City’s FREE disposal program)
  • No Pills and Pharmaceuticals (Use the City’s FREE prescription dropbox)
  • No Diapers (Clean OR Dirty)
  • No Other Medical Plastic (Gloves, plastic tubing, catheters, speculums, urinals, bath or toilet seats, bedpans, bags, anything that came in contact with bodily fluids)
  • No Other non-recyclable Medical Items (Masks, bandages, crutches, sheets, etc)
  • No “red bag” or regulated medical waste

Reminder: Not only do recycling employees have to touch it to remove it, but none of these materials are recyclable in the single stream- keep them out!

Refer to SD Administrative Rules for proper handling of medical waste.