The Importance of Sanitary Disposal

Do you know the most dangerous place in a women’s restroom? If you guessed the sanitary disposal bins, you’re a smart cookie! Even if emptied daily and cleaned once in a while, these bins are proven to pose the greatest health risk in a bathroom. Not only are customers and patrons at risk for contracting illness or disease, but also the people responsible for maintaining them. Businesses and public facilities need to take responsibility for finding a sanitary disposal solution that minimizes contact with blood, bacteria, and bodily fluids.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reported that 5.6 million employees in the US are at risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens at their place of employment. Many employees are at greater risk when using a restroom that uses a sanitary disposal system, especially cleaning staff who have to handle all that waste on a daily basis.

Dr. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona Microbiology Department has studied restroom contaminants for over 20 years. Gerba reports the most bacterially infested place in any bathroom are the sanitary disposal bins. He also discovered an invisible mist that is released each time a toilet is flushed. This mist can contain Hepatitis A, C. diff, staph, salmonella and E. coli among others. Some of these microorganisms can survive on the bins for months if they aren’t sanitized or disinfected.

Facility managers most likely have cleaning staff empty the bins daily but rarely have them sanitized inside and out. One study found that 100% of them tested positive for bacteria or mold. Most germs can enter the body through direct contact with broken skin. As it is impossible to know if an infected person has used a restroom, all waste must be treated as if it contains blood borne pathogens.

It’s best for everyone involved to let professionals handle this kind of waste. The best option for any business is to use a third party sanitary disposal service. Facilities who utilize a sanitary disposal service reduce the risk of illness to their employees and patrons alike. Workplace Essentials offers an example of such a service. Say goodbye to your current sanitary disposal systems and take care of the people using your restrooms!