Healthcare providers, especially hospitals and clinics, produce an incredible amount of waste products, from syringes to film, every year. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require that healthcare facilities follow specific guidelines in disposing of the many different types of waste they produce. Today, more and more hospitals outsource this concern to environmental services specialists.

Why do so many hospitals and clinics contract out their environmental waste issues?

o Most hospitals and clinics simply don't have the experts in-house to understand the complex local and federal regulations, keep up with the constant changes and make sure everything is properly implemented.

o Environmental services companies are experts at properly disposing of hazardous waste. They can address many different types of waste concerns under one program designed specifically for their facility, including:

+ Film processing waste

+ Silver fillings

+ Mercury amalgam

+ Lead foil

+ e-waste (computer hardware, electronics)

o Environmental services providers are intimately familiar with the necessary paperwork (and there's lots of it) that is required to prove compliance at the local and federal level.

o If there is ever a compliance issue raised, the environmental services agent will represent their client before the government and any investigating agencies.

o Recycling of waste products (for instance, silver from film and processor effluent) can be turned into a source of revenue, saving the facility thousands of dollars (and in some cases much more) every year.

o Protecting the environment in the community where the hospital or clinic is located contributes to the overall health of residents. Any healthcare facility should take a pro-active approach to the protection of not only people but the environment that has an impact on the health of everyone.

o The best environmental services companies will guarantee proper disposal of confidential records, taking the worry off of your facility about where the old records go or where they might turn up after they leave staff hands.

o Environmental services companies can design a program that takes care of all your waste disposal needs with one contract. With everything from OSHA & FDA regulations to auditing covered, it simplifies the process for healthcare facilities.

o Environmental services can also provide services that may be surprising to some, such as indoor air quality control. Healthcare facilities treat people who are often suffering from illnesses that can be adversely affected by poor air quality. Air filters can remove pollutants ranging from dust to certain viruses from the air being breathed within the facility. Patients will breathe easier.

Today's hospitals are facing a crisis in funding, staffing and coverage. Having to worry about environmental issues only makes things worse. That's why environmental services companies are so important ? they can let healthcare facilities safely get back to the business of healthcare.