Let's be honest, animal and leftover vet practice waste is definitely not your favorite part of the job as a veterinary practitioner. When you patch up a pet, give it medication and a vaccine, and of course, a sweet treat for its good behavior, there is bound to be waste produced. This type of waste cannot be just thrown away like your regular trash. Now if this waste reaches the soil and water it can be harmful to humans, animals, and even the environment. Handling the waste the right way matters more than you might realize. Which is why we have compiled a list of tips and useful methods for veterinary waste disposal in the guide below.
What Actually Counts As Veterinary Waste?
No, it's not just the garbage; veterinary waste disposal is much more complicated than that. Here are all the types of vet waste that you should look out for;
Needles, blades, and syringes, also called sharps waste
Used tissues and gauze with bodily fluids or blood on them
Remains of animals that many fail to dispose of properly
Any type of chemical, even the ones you use for cleaning
Towels, gloves, or any other non-toxic trash.
Medicines or vaccines that are expired
Knowing where to throw different types of can make the whole disposal process much more convenient.
The Proper Way Of Disposal
To make it easier, we have divided the veterinary waste disposal methods according to the respective type of waste.
The first step of proper disposal is always sorting the veterinary waste. You already know that different waste needs different types of treatment. Mixing in sharps with your used coffee cups is no less than a biohazard nightmare. The best practice is to sort all the waste as soon as it is created to save you all the time and trouble. If you leave your waste to be sorted on another day, high chances are it stays there for days, becoming a risk for people and animals in the clinic. So put your sharps in labeled prick-proof containers and the biohazard waste in red bags. Handling Sharps With Care
Sharps include needles, blades, syringes, and scalpels that prick and cut, and also are an invitation to harmful diseases like HIV. Broken glasses also belong in this category. Here is how you can properly dispose of this type of veterinary waste without putting anyone in danger.
No More Flushing The Medicines
It's tempting to go for the easy route and just rush the medicines. But you probably have no idea how much improper veterinary waste disposal damages the ecosystem. The medicines you throw can enter the water system and destroy aquatic life. So here is what you can actually do;
Store any expired medications in containers with a strong and protective seal.
You can always donate the unused medications locally.
To make things easier for you, always hire a licensed waste handling company to do all the hard work for you.
Lastly, for any of the controlled substances and drugs, always check in with the local laws and regulations set by the states.
This topic is usually avoided by everyone, but holds equal importance as other types of waste. So, what to do with the animal remains?
Many clinics often use methods like incineration, and others just bury them. However, many places do not allow burial. The most important thing to keep in mind is to never throw the remains in your regular trash bins. Always stay respectful of the remains while also following necessary safety protocols for veterinary waste disposal.
Dealing With Chemical Waste
Even the safest chemicals can be a cause of irreversible injuries if not handled properly. Also if the clinic workers accidentally spill or mix them with something, animals in the clinic, as well as your staff, can be harmed. So keep the chemicals in their original packaging with proper labels. Also, I don't store them anywhere near heat and never dispose of them in a sink. Irresponsible disposal not only affects your clinic but also the environment.
Knowing the basics of veterinary waste disposal can save you from putting your staff and patients at risk while also saving you from any legal trouble. Hopefully, now you're aware of all the different types of waste being produced in your clinic and how to dispose of it the right way.
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