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The healthcare industry creates a lot of waste, it’s fair to say. It might feel daunting to even know where to start in addressing it.

That’s where Stericycle comes in. The medical waste compliance company works with healthcare businesses to offer compliance and training sessions that help them better understand what needs to be done with their waste. This includes highly regulated areas like sharps disposals, pharmaceutical waste, and biohazardous waste.

We spoke with Alex Chapman, who’s been with the company for more than six years and serves as regulatory affairs director, on her role and her favorite aspects of it.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How would you describe your specific job to someone who doesn’t work in healthcare?

I’ve spent the last 17 years working in the healthcare space, focusing on regulated medical waste (RMW) and other waste requirements. My job centers on helping organizations apply regulations to achieve the most sustainable outcomes while supporting their broader business objectives. This involves understanding the rules that impact our operations and our customers, while keeping in mind our customers’ overall goals and the context of their specific industries.

There’s a lot that goes into what I do, from project management and process review to evaluations, training, communication strategy, and more. My role blends regulatory insight with real-world practical application to help organizations remain compliant, operate efficiently, and plan strategically.

What’s the best change you’ve made or seen at a place you’ve worked?

I prioritize strong engagement with external stakeholders. Through regular meetings with customers, I address questions, share best practices, and offer guidance on compliance and safe management of RMW. In addition, our collaboration with [sustainable healthcare solutions organization] Practice Greenhealth has led to the development of a program template designed to help their 1,700 hospital members create processes that are both compliant and sustainable.

What’s the biggest misconception people might have about your job?

Perhaps the biggest misconception about my role is that I’m just sitting at a desk answering emails about waste disposal all day. In reality, my job is much more dynamic, encompassing not only customer engagement but also onsite collaboration.

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Many people think about waste simply as something to be discarded, but it’s far more complex. Waste is embedded in processes, products, and operations throughout the value chain, impacting organizations and people in their work every day. Thinking of regulated medical waste or general trash as just items to be discarded misses their substantial impact on both compliance, cost reduction, and sustainability within an organization.

What healthcare trend are you most optimistic about?

I am optimistic about the impact of technological advancements in healthcare infrastructure when applied appropriately. In terms of waste management, I’m hearing organizations explore opportunities to increase sophistication in both workflows and processes. For instance, some organizations within the industry are considering updates to process flows regarding how nursing staff utilize products with patients. This may even include modifications to floor plans and patient room designs to help reduce the risk of nurses bringing excessive medical supplies into patient rooms “just in case.” Typically, unnecessary waste stems from a lack of understanding of the financial implications, staffing challenges, or well-intentioned efforts to reduce infection risk.

I’m also optimistic and encouraged about the developments at the state level regarding regulated waste regulation. This increased focus on safety and compliance for employees, patients, and the environment has resulted in more frequent site visits and increased guidance—even in states that previously took a less proactive approach.

What healthcare trend are you least optimistic about?

One concerning trend is the growing issue of medical waste generated in home environments. Unlike in hospitals—which are governed by strict, standardized regulations for disposing of biohazardous waste, sharps, and pharmaceuticals—the regulation of medical waste from home settings remains inconsistent. Addressing this challenge requires the development of resources to mitigate risks such as needlestick injuries and contamination that has the potential to impact community members and environmental health. Additionally, it is essential to provide guidance to health systems offering home-based care, as protocols for handling medical waste are often unclear, even in areas with established regulations.