Biohazard Waste Solutions For Emergency Shelters
Posted on: 29 October 2021
During times of severe weather or temperatures, many churches and cities set up emergency shelters. These shelters are generally open to the public and those in need. One of the issues your emergency shelter may encounter is the disposal of daily hazardous waste or the waste that may be present when the shelter is no longer needed. Here are some biohazard waste solutions that can help you with your next shelter opening and function.
Sharps Containers
Sharps containers are likely the most common biohazard items you will have in an emergency shelter. This is due to people with diabetes or people on injection medication. Sharps containers should be placed throughout the shelter and kept in a safe containment area to prevent being opened or stolen. Once the containers are full, you can dispose of the biohazard waste through waste management or similar services offering sharps disposal. Many people may have their own sharps containers for diabetic and other uses. However, you should maintain the containers within your emergency shelter as well.
Human Waste Biohazards
There may be times when your emergency shelter may be dealing with human waste biohazards. For example, items with feces such as diapers or menstrual blood such as pads may be considered to be a biohazard. This will greatly depend on your location and your city ordinances. If you are unsure if these items do qualify for special removal, contact your local waste management authority. They can let you know if they would qualify and how you will need to safely dispose of the waste.
Solid Waste
Solid waste can consist of various items. For example, you may have disposable sheets or other disposable items with vomit or other waste on them. If there is an illness or pandemic, these items can spread the germs if not contained properly. This solid waste along with medical-related waste such as unused or expired medications should be removed properly. They will need to be placed in specially marked biohazard bags and put into removable containers. If you do not have these supplies, waste management can provide them for you.
When you are ready to have the biohazard waste removed from your shelter, contact your local waste disposal company. They can inform you if they have a biohazard removal service or direct you to one in your area. The service can schedule a time to pick up the waste and help you with questions you have regarding further needs related to this service.
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