In sterile processing and the operating room, some of the most common questions have the least simple answers. Our Clinical Educator and Auditor, Fred A. Westermeyer, explains why disposal decisions for single-use devices (SUDs) can’t be boiled down to a single rule—and what teams should consider to protect staff, support compliance, and reduce risk.
Summary: What to consider before you toss it:
Used on a patient/contaminated? → Regulated medical waste stream
Sharp or could puncture a bag? → Sharps container
Disposal rules vary by region and facility policy
IFUs may be limited for single-use items
Some SUDs may be eligible for third-party reprocessing
“Many clinical questions…don’t lend themselves to simple, one-sentence responses.”
- Fred A. Westermeyer
by Fred A. Westermeyer CRCST, CIS, CER, CHL, LSSGB , CHEP, CHPM
Clinical Educator/Auditor
In my role as an educator, I am frequently asked questions by colleagues outside clinical practice. Whether the inquiry comes from Marketing, Human Resources, or another department, the expectation is often that I can provide a clear and definitive answer. While this is understandable—I am the educator, after all—these situations can sometimes be challenging. Many clinical questions, especially those related to sterile processing, do not lend themselves to simple, one-sentence responses.
A recent example illustrates this well. I was asked:
“How does your operating room manage SUDs (single-use devices—such as ablators, laparoscopic instruments, and suction irrigators) for disposal? What goes in regular trash vs. sharps?”
- Real life question from fellow employee
The requester was hoping for a straightforward explanation. Unfortunately, the accurate answer is far less concise:
"It depends.”
- Fred Westermeyer
In Sterile Processing, determining the appropriate approach requires evaluating multiple sources of guidance, including regulations, accreditation standards, and manufacturer instructions. In this case, the common fallback—“Check the IFU”—is not always helpful because many single-use devices either lack an IFU or provide minimal disposal guidance. Since they are designed to be discarded rather than reprocessed, the instructions vary widely.
While it may be tempting to simply “throw it away,” doing so without proper assessment can create compliance and safety issues. Several factors must be evaluated:
Another layer of complexity is geographical variation. Disposal guidelines on the East and West Coasts tend to be more restrictive than those commonly found in the Midwest. In some facilities, certain non-sharp items can legally be placed in regular trash; in others—particularly in large metropolitan areas—doing so may result in significant fines or compliance issues. Understanding local regulations is essential.
To complicate matters further, some single-use devices can be reprocessed by specialized third-party companies using methods not available in most SPDs. At this point in my conversations with non-clinical colleagues, I often notice eyes beginning to glaze over—or hear the subtle sighs that signal information overload.
This scenario represents just one of many examples where providing accurate clinical guidance is far more complex than it appears. The margin for error is small, and the responsibility to consult the correct regulations, evaluate all variables, and communicate effectively is significant.
While many people look for simple answers, clinical practice rarely accommodates simplicity. Thoughtful diligence is required not only to make the right decision but also to help others understand why the right answer is sometimes, “It depends.”
Fred A. Westermeyer, CRCST, CIS, CER, CHL, LSSGB, CHEP, CHPM, is a Clinical Educator & Auditor at Surgical Solutions with over 15 years of experience in the field. He is passionate about ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency in the reprocessing of medical devices and instruments.
Fred has a strong background in leadership, process improvement, quality assurance, and education. He holds multiple certifications from HSPA, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and serves as his department’s safety representative. At NKCH, he orients new employees, conducts annual competencies, assists staff in obtaining certification, researches IFUs, develops policies and procedures, and works on process improvement initiatives.
A team player, problem solver, and lifelong learner, Fred strives to deliver excellence and value to both patients and staff all while working to elevate the SPD profession every day.