Washington State Department of Ecology

Hospital Best Management Practices

Following Best Management Practices (BMPs) help hospitals protect their employees and the air, land and water of Washington State.

The Hospital Waste BMP guide contains:

Department-specific guidance and information regarding waste minimization and hazardous substance substitution,
List of possible wastes and pollutants found in hospitals,
Self-Audit form to help you assess waste throughout your hospital,
Ecology guidance documents, Vendor index to help you find less hazardous alternatives, and
Other resources.

The BMP guide was developed as part of Ecology’s Mercury Chemical Action Plan with support from the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board, due to the Board’s concerns that improper management and disposal of waste could negatively impact the aquifer.

Ecology Publication: Best Management Practices for Hospital Waste Pub# 05-04-013