Regulated medical waste (RMW) typically costs $0.20–$0.50 per pound and is six to eight times more expensive to dispose of than solid waste or recyclable materials. Examples of RMW include red bag or infectious waste, sharps and some microbiological waste.

  1. Establish or utilize a GPO service contract with a third-party reprocessor for collection of single-use medical devices (SUDs) in patient care areas and the OR, including EP/cath labs. Ask the vendor to provide reports on the type and weight of devices collected.
  2. Purchase reprocessed single-use medical devices from an FDA-approved third-party reprocessor. Specify that they provide reports on the type and weight of devices collected.

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