The mission of the Healthcare Waste Institute (HWI) is to facilitate responsible healthcare waste management from all types of generators; to be the resource network for technical and regulatory assistance; to be respected as a proactive, responsive and credible organization; and to create high value for members.

For more information on HWI, contact Anne Germain at 202-364-3724 or agermain@wasterecycling.org.

Our Mission

The mission of HWI is to facilitate responsible healthcare waste management from all stakeholders handling infectious and hazardous substances. Our primary goal is to provide transporters, disposal facilities and regulated healthcare waste vendors an association that allows members to network with other small and large companies across the country, have a powerful and organized voice for new regulations (both federal and state) and to stay on top of new industry trends.

Services and Benefits

Advocacy

National Waste & Recycling Association staff help HWI members interact with state and federal regulators and legislators regarding either company-specific or industrywide advocacy issues, instead of managing such issues alone. HWI acts a buffer when interacting with state agencies, which is a huge benefit by not being singled out by state regulators. Working as an organized and cohesive team, HWI is a leader in addressing new regulations and problems within the healthcare waste industry. Our association helps educate policymakers about key concerns and in-the-field industry operations.

Regulatory Updates and Education

Members can receive detailed regulatory updates throughout the yearly meetings and conference calls. There are also opportunities to take educational seminars through our partnership with the National Waste and Recycling Administration.

Education

Members get educational programs that are especially critical to companies that do not have full-time employees who monitor regulations, legislation, new technology, etc.

Networking

The greatest benefit of being a member is the networking opportunities you may not receive elsewhere. Members are introduced to vendors, regulators, inspectors and, most importantly, other disposal facilities and transporters. By meeting businesses in other parts of the country and world, our members are very willing to share sales strategies, past experiences, new opportunities or operational advantages that they have discovered throughout their years of doing business. It is hard to put a price on how valuable this is, so come to a few meetings and find out how our members could help you and vice versa!

Influence

When the industry comes together on a national scale, it’s better for all members, regardless of company size. Every company has one vote on issues, no matter how large or small. Working as an association gives us the power to help influence the healthcare waste industry for the better!

Resources

Discounts

HWI members only pay $750 for a tabletop (compared to $995 for non-members) at WasteExpo. Click here to learn more and reserve a tabletop.

Testimonials

“HWI provides insight on the challenges and opportunities facing every provider within the healthcare waste market. This includes health, safety and compliance at the point of generation, segregation, collection, transportation, recycling and disposal. As a vendor to the healthcare waste market, we must innovate and align our services in an effort to partner with industry providers and meet these challenges.” – EnviroTain, LLC

“As a member since 2011, this group has increased my knowledge of industry challenges, along with awareness of and involvement in real and meaningful impacts to regulatory change for the medical waste industry.” – Rachel P. Kirkman, PG, Golder Associates, Inc.

“We joined the Healthcare Waste Institute even before we started our company. We knew that in order to grow our business and stay compliant in the ever-changing medical waste industry, we would need an organization with the skills, experience and personnel to network with. Our experience with HWI has been nothing short of exceptional. Not only do we receive up-to-date regulatory changes, we now have a network of small and large haulers, industry vendors and disposal facilities across the country that are willing to help our company with anything from sales, to compliance, to logistics. You do not receive this type of business advantage unless you commit to a group with this level of talent.” – Matt Georgov, Vice President, Choice MedWaste

“Since 1988, I have watched HWI grow to be the voice for the medical waste industry in matters of policy, advocacy and assistance to its members. I’m happy to be a part of that. For 30 years, HWI has been the singular voice for the industry to comment on legislation and improve industry standards. It meets the needs of its members by providing relevant and necessary information on all sorts of topics. Its voice is now respected by policymakers in all branches and levels of government.” – Spurgin & Associates

“HWI is a way that the waste industry can stay informed and ahead of these changes, ultimately helping shape these changes in a way that carries out the Institute’s mission and improves the healthcare waste industry.” – Stericycle

“We have been a member of the Healthcare Waste Institute for over 10 years. HWI keeps us informed of regulatory changes and works with its members to promote change in legislation governing our industry. By working with this group of knowledgeable individuals, we are able to network, exchange ideas and affect positive changes within the medical waste industry.” – George Weishoff, President, MED-FLEX, Inc.