The healthcare industry is undergoing rapid change, and with it comes new challenges in how medical waste is managed, regulated, and communicated to the public. On the latest episode of the Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards sat down with Cara Simaga, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at Stericycle, to explore the evolving landscape of medical waste and the critical role regulations play in keeping communities safe.
Cara has been with Stericycle since 2009, moving from hands-on compliance work to leading regulatory affairs. She shared how her career began in hazardous waste management and how that early experience gave her a deep appreciation for the people and processes behind proper disposal.
One of the major shifts she discussed is the move from hospital-centered care to more home-based care, which has pushed medical waste into new and sometimes unexpected places—like tattoo parlors, offices, and even homes. This expansion raises tough questions about safe disposal of sharps, pharmaceuticals, and other materials outside of traditional healthcare settings.
From lithium-ion batteries in medical devices to growing community concerns around hazardous waste, Cara emphasized that industry leaders must advocate for themselves while working with regulators to educate the public and dispel misconceptions.
To hear more from Cara on compliance, innovation, and the future of medical waste management, listen to the full episode of the Waste World Podcast. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show so others in the industry can join the conversation.
