What are the Most Common Wastes in Hospitals

Hospitals are an essential part of the healthcare system, but they also produce a lot of waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hospitals produce more than 3 billion pounds of waste each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Here are the Most Common Wastes in HospitalsChemicalsHospitals use plenty of chemicals in the course of their daily operations. Some of these products can be hazardous to human health or the environment if they're improperly disposed of. Radioactive materials also require special handling procedures to prevent exposure to humans and animals alike.SharpsHospitals generate sharps because they perform medical procedures on patients recently administered anesthesia or sedation drugs that make them bleed more easily than usual. Sharps include things like needles, scalpels, and syringes that have been used during such procedures.PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals are common medical wastes that should be disposed of properly and safely. When drugs are flushed down toilets or drains, they can cause wastewater treatment plant failures or contaminate groundwater supplies. Additionally, pharmaceuticals may not be completely broken down by wastewater treatment plants. They may be released into lakes, rivers, and streams, harming aquatic life and other wildlife who rely on these sources for drinking water.Pathological WastePathological waste includes blood, body fluids, or tissues from humans or animals that have been removed during an operation or autopsy. It also includes medical devices that were used during surgery, such as scalpels, forceps, and knives, as well as hazardous items like bedding used to cover operating room tables.