No matter what your business is, there is without a doubt that you are disposing of multiple types of waste every day. Because of that, your business likely has procedures and measures for disposing of the said waste properly. What your business might not have known is that not all waste disposal bins should be treated as general units, for just anything to be dropped in. Used bathroom tissue and feminine hygiene products are a few items that should not be thrown in general trash receptacles. Both of these products can carry pathogens, diseases, and for feminine products, even hepatitis B. The bottom line is, that different types of waste need to be taken care of differently. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering sanitary disposal options.
One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: Does my company have waste bins designed for the waste we’ll be dealing with in the workplace? When in an environment with waste that contains blood-borne pathogens, a bin that is completely covered when closed, but offers ease of access should be used. The bin should preferably be unattached from any surface, as being attached makes cleaning much more difficult. A thick bag liner should be used on the inside of the receptacle to make the removal of the waste easier. Quality bag lines can minimize odor and gunk leakage from the bin.
Once you have the proper receptacle, you should ask yourself: is the waste being disposed of properly? Just because it was moved outside, doesn’t mean you’re safe. Waste from sanitary bins shouldn’t be treated like regular restroom trash, since general trash is not likely to be thrown away right away. With sanitary bins containing bloodborne pathogens, it is best to make sure that when full, the bin should be removed as far from the workplace as possible, as soon as possible. An OSHA-trained professional is your best bet for safely removing waste like this.
Cleaning your waste bins regularly should also be part of a weekly or monthly regime at your workplace. After time, these receptacles will accumulate grime and dirt and need to be sanitized. Just make sure to wear proper equipment when cleaning these bins as touching them can spread germs. Even if their is no visible sign of grime, you should still take precaution and wear proper equipment to protect yourself.
Proper waste management is an important aspect for any business, and making sure your workspace is clean should be of the utmost importance. After all, the cleanliness of your workplace can leave an impression on people, which could in turn flush a potential relationship down the drain. If you’re interested in turning your business into a cleaner place, check out Business Hygiene for your hygiene needs! We carry products and equipment to stop the cross-contamination cycle that could be affecting your business, and can help you with sanitary disposal solutions.
