Can I use the Stewardship program (Pharmacy) to dispose of my Sharps?
HPSA’s Sharp Containers are NOT approved for commercial/business or institutional waste disposal. Containers are only available to members of the public who live in a residential sector. (Domestic use ONLY.)
HPSA is proud to introduce New Sharps Disposal containers available in ON and PEI ONLY.
Safely dispose of your used sharps devices by following these steps:
1-Recap needle and place into the approved sharp container offered free of charge at any participating pharmacy
2-Once the sharp waste has reached the designated fill line, snap lid closed by securing the strip.
3-To permanently close the sharps container, insert the tab into the opening to secure the lid down.
4-Return full container to a participating pharmacy.
Always use an approved sharps container when disposing of used sharps to help reduce the risk of needlestick injuries
Public or private care facilities/institutions, such as private seniors’ residences, must provide, at their own expense, safe disposal sharps containers to their residents.
HPSA’s Sharp Containers are NOT approved for commercial/business or institutional waste disposal. Containers are only available to members of the public who live in a residential sector. (Domestic use ONLY.)
If you need help finding a proper medical waste disposal container, or to arrange a collection please contact medical Solution. We do sharps disposal in Toronto and the GTA.
What should I do if I injure myself with a used needle?
Getting poked by a needle can be concerning. However, it is important to remember that the risk of infection from an improperly discarded needle in the community is extremely low. In the event of a needle stick injury, the following steps should be taken:
- Allow the wound to bleed freely. Do not squeeze the wound. This may damage the tissues and increase risk of infection.
- Wash the wound with soap and water. Do not apply bleach or alcohol to the wound.
- Go to your local emergency department immediately for follow-up care.
- An assessment will be done to determine the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (e.g., medications and/or vaccinations to further reduce the risk of transmission). Baseline blood tests for Hepatitis B and C, and HIV will be done at this visit, with follow-up blood tests to be done over the next three months to make sure none of these viruses have been transmitted.
Healthcare staff should follow best practices for safe sharps handling and disposal. Important rules include handling sharps as little as possible, then immediately discarding them in a puncture-resistant, sealed container. Sharps containers themselves are covered by several safe handling standards. Containers should be filled only to the “fill line,” closed between uses, and kept out of reach of the public. Safe Handling:
- Sharps should not be passed from hand to hand.
- Used needles must not be broken or bent before disposal.
- Used sharps must immediately be discarded in a sharps container.
Sharps Containers:
- Must be located to avoid spillage.
- Must be kept at a height that allows safe sharps disposal.
- Must be kept away from public access.
- Must not be overfilled.
- Must be disposed of once full.
- Should be closed between uses.
- Must not be used for purposes other than sharps disposal.
- Should be disposed of after 3 months even when not full.
How do I dispose of home healthcare waste?
Home healthcare waste does not belong in the Blue Bin recycling program.This includes needles, sharps, dialysis waste, catheters and colostomy bags.
Some items are considered hazardous waste because they are dangerous or toxic, while other items should go in the Garbage Bin. All items should be disposed of with caution.
The City provides free collection of dialysis waste. To be eligible for this exemption, an application form must be filled out and certified by your Physician, Nurse or Home Dialysis Associate. To request an application form, please contact 311.
Before you throw out home healthcare waste, check the proper disposal options.
These items are hazardous waste:
- Syringes
- Needles
- Lancets
- Injectors
- Pre-filled pens
Proper Disposal
- pharmacy participating in HBSA’s free take-back programs
- City Drop-off Depots
- Community Environment Day
For all household hazardous waste between 10 to 50 litres/kilograms, residents can also request a free Toxic Taxi pickup through 311. Apartment and condo residents should check with their Superintendent or Property Manager.
Source: Click Here
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recycling-organics-garbage/home-healthcare-waste/
Sharps Disposal
Sharps disposal require specific disposal because they pose a serious health threat when placed loosely in the garbage. In addition to poking and pricking anyone who handles waste bags containing loose sharps, used sharps can hold infectious agents such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV). Sharps are defined as anything that can prick, slice, or penetrate the skin, or puncture waste bags and cardboard boxes. They should be disposed of in puncture-proof containers that are clearly labelled. Medical Solution will help you design a sharps waste solution that works for your office. From containers, to pre-scheduled services, you will be given everything you need to create an efficient waste management process. Get a free quote on compliant services today. With each medical waste pick-up, Medical Solution drivers will inspect the sharps containers and packaged waste to ensure that it is acceptable for transport. They will then present the designated facility staff member with a manifest for signature, indicating the waste is ready for pick-up. Upon receipt of the signed manifest, And prior to departure, the facility staff member will be asked to accept custody of the replacement sharps containers. Medical Solution will help you design a waste solution that works for your office. From containers, to pre-scheduled services, you will be given everything you need to create an efficient waste management process.
Understanding the Journey of Medical Waste: From Disposal to Safe Management
In the face of global healthcare challenges, the proper management of medical waste has become a critical concern. Medical waste, also known as healthcare waste, includes materials generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals. The safe and responsible handling of medical waste is essential to protect public health, prevent environmental contamination, and ensure the well-being of healthcare workers and waste handlers.
Segregation and Collection:
Medical waste is generated from various sources, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, nursing homes, and even households. The first step in managing medical waste is proper segregation at the point of generation. This involves sorting waste into different categories, including infectious waste, sharp objects (like needles), pharmaceutical waste, and non-hazardous waste. Special containers, colour-coded and labelled appropriately, are used for each type of waste to prevent accidental exposure and to facilitate safe collection.
Transportation:
Once segregated, medical waste is carefully packed into leak-proof, rigid containers to minimize the risk of spillage and cross-contamination during transportation. Trained waste management personnel, equipped with protective gear, transport the containers to designated disposal facilities. The transportation process must adhere to strict regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of the public and the environment.
Treatment and Disposal:
At the disposal facility, medical waste undergoes specialized treatment based on its type. There are various methods for treating medical waste, including incineration, autoclaving (steam sterilization), microwave treatment, and chemical disinfection. The choice of treatment method depends on the waste category and local regulations. Some hazardous waste, such as certain pharmaceuticals and chemicals, may require specialized processes for safe disposal.
Environmental Impact:
Proper medical waste management is crucial to prevent potential harm to the environment. Incineration, for instance, can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere if not carried out with advanced technology and pollution control measures. Many countries are shifting towards eco-friendlier waste treatment methods to minimize the environmental impact.
Importance of Compliance:
Regulatory bodies play a significant role in overseeing medical waste management practices. Strict guidelines and standards are in place to ensure healthcare facilities and waste management companies comply with proper waste handling protocols. Regular audits and inspections are conducted to monitor compliance and encourage continuous improvement in waste management practices.
The journey of medical waste involves a series of crucial steps, starting from segregation at the source to its safe disposal. Proper medical waste management is essential to protect healthcare workers, the general public, and the environment from potential hazards. As we continue to face health challenges worldwide, the responsible handling of medical waste remains an indispensable aspect of our collective effort to build a healthier and sustainable future.
1. What is medical waste, and why is its proper disposal important?
Answer: Medical waste comprises materials generated during healthcare activities that may pose a threat to human health or the environment. Proper disposal is essential to prevent the spread of diseases, safeguard healthcare workers, and protect the environment from contamination.
2. What are the different types of medical waste generated in healthcare facilities?
Answer: Medical waste can be categorized into several types, including infectious waste (such as used needles and contaminated dressings), pathological waste (e.g., tissues and organs), pharmaceutical waste (expired or unused medications), and chemical waste (like disinfectants and solvents).
3. How does Medical Solution ensure safe and compliant medical waste disposal in Toronto?
Answer: At Medical Solution, we take pride in adhering to stringent guidelines and regulations in Canada. Our experienced team is well-versed in the latest waste disposal protocols and ensures full compliance.
4. What are the legal requirements for medical waste disposal in Toronto, Canada?
Answer: In Toronto and throughout Canada, medical waste disposal is governed by complex regulations. These laws dictate proper waste segregation, packaging, labelling, transportation, and disposal methods. Our team stays up-to-date with these regulations to ensure that our clients’ waste disposal needs meet all legal requirements.
5. How can healthcare facilities in Toronto benefit from Medical Solution’s medical waste disposal services?
Answer: Healthcare facilities in Toronto can benefit from our services in numerous ways. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs, comprehensive waste tracking, and detailed reporting to simplify the process. Our services ensure safe, cost-effective, and compliant disposal of medical waste, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.
6. What steps should healthcare facilities take to properly segregate and package medical waste?
Answer: Proper segregation and packaging are crucial steps in ensuring safe disposal. Sharps should be placed in puncture-resistant containers (sharp boxes), and infectious waste should be sealed in leak-proof bags. At Medical Solution, we provide guidance and necessary supplies to healthcare facilities to ensure the correct handling and segregation of waste.
7. How does Medical Solution contribute to environmental sustainability in medical waste disposal?
Answer: We are committed to environmental sustainability in our operations. Whenever possible, we employ environmentally friendly treatment methods to minimize our carbon footprint. Our goal is to protect the environment, reduce waste generation, and promote sustainable practices within our community.
8. Can Medical Solution assist with pharmaceutical waste disposal for healthcare facilities?
Answer: We offer specialized pharmaceutical waste disposal services designed to help healthcare facilities in Toronto safely dispose of expired or unused medications. Our services ensure that pharmaceutical waste is handled and disposed of in full compliance with all relevant regulations.
9. What are the potential risks of improper medical waste disposal for healthcare facilities in Toronto?
Answer: Improper medical waste disposal can lead to several risks, including the spread of infections, environmental pollution, legal consequences, and reputational damage. It is paramount that healthcare facilities in Toronto adhere to proper disposal practices to mitigate these risks effectively.
10. How can healthcare facilities in Toronto request a quote for Medical Solution’s medical waste disposal services?
Answer: Requesting a quote from Medical Solution is a straightforward process. You can visit our website at www.medicalsolution.ca where you’ll find a dedicated contact form. Alternatively, you can reach out to our customer service team directly at 1866-6115519. We will assess your specific needs and provide a customized quote tailored to your requirements. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible for our valued clients in Toronto and the surrounding areas.
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