Improper disposal of medical waste can result in hefty fines, sometimes upwards of millions of dollars, and potentially prison time. Companies located from California to Pennsylvania have been fined anywhere from $200,000 to 20 million dollars!
The amount of the fine is decided by a few factors. Improper disposal at home could be something as simple as throwing bloody bandages into the regular garbage, to something as irresponsible as dumping your medical waste into the ocean. Not only is this illegal, but it also can injure people, harm wildlife, and even transmit diseases.
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That being said, regulations vary from state to state. For example, in California regulated medical waste is handled by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Since February 9
th
, 2006, it has been illegal for residents and small businesses to dispose of fluorescent lamps, household batteries, and other “Universal Waste” in the garbage.
The term “Universal Waste” is defined as batteries, mercury thermostats, fluorescent lights, cathode ray tube devices, and other product containing mercury or other heavy metals. It is also illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage. Examples of hazardous waste include: oil and paint, anything coated in which with blood, and materials that could potentially spread diseases. For a more comprehensive overview of what universal waste is, see the EPA's overview of their universal waste program.
To properly dispose of biohazardous waste, one should be placing it in a bag specifically meant to handle biohazardous waste. While transferring waste from container to container, you must be sure all regulations are being followed.
This is very important not only for your company, but also for the environment. MedPro Disposal offers cost-effective biohazard waste disposal and will help you worry less about staying compliant; providing your facility with red-lined bags for accumulation, and removing the filled bags for proper disposal.
Common Questions
- What is considered biohazard waste?
- Biohazard waste is any waste contaminated with blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials that could transmit disease. OSHA's definition covers liquid or semi-liquid blood; items that would release blood if compressed or are caked with dried blood that could flake off; contaminated sharps; and pathological and microbiological wastes. Common examples include saturated gauze, contaminated PPE, suction canisters, cultures, needles, and surgical tissue.
- What's the difference between biohazard waste and medical waste?
- Biohazard waste is a subset of medical waste. Medical waste is the broad category that can include pharmaceuticals and chemicals; biohazard waste specifically refers to material that contains or may contain infectious agents. For the broader category, see our medical waste disposal guide.
- How much does biohazard waste disposal cost?
- Cost depends on waste volume, pickup frequency, container size, waste type, and location; pathological and pharmaceutical waste generally cost more to treat than standard biohazard waste. MedPro customers save an average of 30% versus their previous provider — request a free quote for pricing specific to your facility.
- Who needs biohazard waste disposal services?
- Any organization that generates infectious waste — hospitals, clinics, physician and dental offices, nursing homes, home health providers, laboratories, schools and universities, mortuaries and funeral homes, blood banks, veterinary practices and animal shelters, and even jails, prisons, and casinos.
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