Understanding the difference between regulated medical waste and standard waste is critical in maintaining legal compliance and protecting the community. The EPA defines regulated medical waste as biomedical waste that has been contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIMs). Here are some examples of regulated medical waste:
- Blood spill cleanup materials
- Staples and wires (cardio-catheter wires)
- Items saturated with blood or OPIMs
- Dialyzers and tubing
- Needles and syringes
- Broken glass
- Glass pipettes, slides, and tubes
- Surgical specimens
- Containers, catheters, or tubes containing blood, blood products, or OPIMs
- Scalpel blades and lancets
- Disposable suture sets and biopsy forceps
- Microbiology specimens
- Used culture plates, tubes, bottles, and devices
Regulated waste cannot go in the regular trash because of the potential risk it carries for individuals that may come in contact with the materials. Check with your local authorities to learn more about regulations at your city and state levels.
To better understand what qualifies as regulated waste, we will break them down into 6 categories:
Human Blood and Blood Products
Blood, plasma, serum, other blood components, and any bodily fluid contaminated with blood.
Isolation Waste
Any human or animal waste that has been potentially contaminated with a highly communicable disease may contain infectious agents.
Pathological Waste
Any biological waste, including human anatomical wastes, tissues, body parts, and organs.
Culture and Stocks of Infectious Agents
Waste is generated from clinical or research laboratory procedures involving communicable infectious agents, also known as microbiological waste.
Contaminated Animal Carcasses, Body Parts, and Bedding
Waste from animals that have been intentionally exposed to pathogens during research, in vivo pharmaceuticals testing, or biological production.
Contaminated Sharps
Any item that can cut, puncture, or penetrate skin or waste bags that were used in medical, research, or industrial labs on humans or animals.
Regulated Medical Waste Disposal Services in Lakewood
Regulated medical waste disposal companies are available in your area. Medical Waste Pros makes it easy to find compliant services to safely dispose of medical waste. We can help you select safe containers, schedule services, and create a medical waste management system for your business.
Here’s how our process works:
- Fill out the form on the right or call us at (720) 358-5141. We will ask for some details on the services your business requires.
- Our Lakewood contractors will write up personalized quotes based on the information you provided.
- You will receive several price options from our partnering companies. Choose the company that works best for your budget and service needs.
Get Free Quotes on Regulated Medical Waste Disposal Today
Improper disposal of regulated medical waste can put the public at risk and ruin your reputation as a business. Medical Waste Pros will help you maintain legal compliance, protect your community, and keep your space clean. Give us a call at (720) 358-5141 or fill out the form to learn more today. We will instantly connect you with reliable medical waste disposal providers and send you free quotes for your needs.
