How to Dispose of Medical Waste for Organizations & Facilities
For healthcare providers, clinics, and facilities of all sizes, even small mistakes in handling medical waste can lead to regulatory fines, health risks, and public trust issues.
We created this practical guide for how to dispose of medical waste so you can cut through the confusion and stay compliant without the overwhelm.
- Clear.
- Actionable.
- Designed for real-world use by busy teams who can’t afford to guess.
In This Guide, You’ll Learn:
📥 Bonus Downloads:
- Printable red bag disposal checklist
- Monthly compliance tracker
- OSHA inspection prep worksheet
Types of Regulated Medical Waste & What Goes in Each Container
How to Avoid the Top Compliance Mistakes & the Associated Fines
What OSHA, EPA & DOT Require From Your Business
How to Protect Staff From Needle Sticks & patients From Cross-Contamination
How to Build a Cost-Effective, Audit-Ready Disposal System
State-by-State Regulations & Who to Contact for Help
When to Outsource vs Handle Waste In-House
How Often You Really Need Pickup & What To Do Between Pickups
What Is Regulated Medical Waste?
Not all waste from a healthcare facility is considered “medical waste,” and not all medical waste is regulated the same way. Understanding what qualifies as Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) is the first step toward safe, legal, and cost-effective disposal.
Regulated Medical Waste includes any waste that is contaminated by blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials that could pose a risk to humans or the environment.
The 6 Most Common Types of Regulated Medical Waste:
| Type | Description | Common Sources |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sharps | Needles, syringes, scalpels, lancets | Injection rooms, labs, tattoo studios |
| 2. Biohazardous Waste (Red Bag) | Blood-soaked gauze, surgical drapes, gloves | Clinics, ERs, surgical centers |
| 3. Pathological Waste | Human tissues, organs, surgical specimens | Hospitals, research labs |
| 4. Pharmaceutical Waste | Expired, unused, or contaminated medications | Pharmacies, nursing homes |
| 5. Chemotherapy Waste | Traces of chemo drugs, PPE used during treatment | Oncology clinics, infusion centers |
| 6. Laboratory Waste | Cultures, stocks, biological samples | Diagnostic labs, universities |
Not Regulated Waste (But Often Mistaken):
- Paper towels or tissues unless visibly contaminated
- Empty IV bags or tubing with no blood/meds
- Food waste from hospital cafeterias
- Office trash from administrative areas