Frequently Asked Questions
Regulated Medical Waste Disposal Questions
Medical Waste: What is it?
– Regulated Medical Waste includes:
- Cultures and stocks of infectious agents
- Human and animal blood and body fluids
- Sharps
- Pathological waste (organs, tissues, etc.)
- Contaminated animal waste infectious to humans
Medical Waste: Why is it important?
– Proper handling of Medical Waste helps to safeguard the public health by preventing human exposure to physical injury or contraction of communicable diseases, which may result from the improper management of potentially infectious medical waste.
When do Regulated Medical Waste certificates expire?
– Every 3 years.
Who needs to take the Regulated Medical Waste training?
– Per regulations, anyone packaging and/or moving (room to room) medical waste is required to take the training. Anyone signing the manifest is required to take the training.
Pharmaceutical Disposal Questions
Do you pick up expired pharmaceuticals?
– Yes, call us to find out more information.
General Questions:
Why are your costs so low?
– We were founded by major hospital networks that understood the importance of saving money without sacrificing quality. Our association with the hospital networks allows us to offer our services to you at a discounted rate.
When can you start picking up from my facility?
Once you are signed up for service, a member of our team will reach out to you to set up the schedule for your facility.
Do you supply containers, bags, or boxes?
– Yes! We supply U.S. DOT Hazardous Waste Certified containers to include a red Rubbermaid tote or a corrugated box. We supply the red liner to go inside the 28 gallon container. We also offer Sharps containers for sale if you need them.
How large are the Medical Waste containers?
- The Medical Waste tote measures 18” x 18” x 23” and is 28 gallons, it can hold up to 50 pounds.
- The Medical Waste cart measures 26” (w) x 41” (h) x 26” (d) and is 96 gallons, it can hold up to 225 pounds.
- The small corrugated box measures 12” x 12” x 24” and is 2.0 cubic feet. It can hold up to 40 pounds.
- The large corrugated box measures 18” x 18” x 24” and is 28 gallons, it can hold up to 45 pounds.
What size Sharp Containers do you sell?
– We sell three different sizes:
- 1.5 Quart – 3.75” x 3.75” x 7.5”
- 5 Quart – 10” x 8.25” x 5.5” – with an optional wall mount available.
- 3 Gallon – 11.5” x 12.75” x 5.75″
How often do I need a pickup?
- If you are in Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy requires your waste to be picked up every 90 days.
- If you are in Indiana, the state does not have a time limit on when your waste needs to be picked up.
- If you are in Ohio, the state does not have a strict time line on when your waste is picked up, but if it reaches a putrescent state you need to have it picked up.
How do I schedule an extra pickup?
– To schedule an extra pick up call us at 269-329-3200, or request one through the Client Resources Portal on our website.
Do you provide documentation once my waste is disposed of?
– Yes! Our process is as follows: We pick up your waste and provide a manifest for you to sign verifying the waste is within the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Our transportation specialist takes the manifest with them and brings it back to our facility. Once the waste is destroyed, the manifest is signed and it is sent back to you for your records. Clients can also access their manifests in the Client Resources Portal on our website.
Billing Questions
When will my bill go out?
– Your bill will go out at the beginning of the month following your pickup.
How can I pay my bill?
– You may pay your bill via check or credit card. Credit card payments may be made on our website or over the phone. Please submit checks to: Hospital Network Healthcare Services, Medical Waste Division, 6212 American Avenue, Portage, MI 49002
Do you offer autopay?
– Unfortunately, we are unable to offer autopay at this time. However, we are working to make this an option in the near future. We will keep you updated!