Medical Waste Disposal in Pennsylvania
MedPro Disposal provides regulated medical waste, sharps and pharmaceutical waste pickup and disposal for healthcare facilities across Pennsylvania — from Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley to Harrisburg, Erie and Pittsburgh — on a schedule that keeps you inside the state’s 30-day storage limit.
How is medical waste disposal regulated in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania regulates medical waste as “regulated medical waste” (defined as infectious waste) and chemotherapeutic waste under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 284, enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the Solid Waste Management Act and the Infectious and Chemotherapeutic Waste Law. Generators must segregate the waste at the point of origin, package it in labeled, dated containers and ship it within 30 days of the date a container is full or sealed. Commercial pickup must be by a DEP-licensed transporter, every shipment is tracked on a log or shipping paper, and those records must be kept for at least two years.
- State term
- Regulated medical waste
- Rules
- 25 Pa. Code Ch. 284
- Enforced by
- PA DEP
- Onsite storage
- 30 days from full/sealed
Key takeaways
- Pennsylvania regulates medical waste as “regulated medical waste” and chemotherapeutic waste under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 284, enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection.
- Pennsylvania generators may not store regulated medical or chemotherapeutic waste longer than 30 days from the date a container is full or sealed, whichever comes first, and putrescent waste must go offsite within 3 business days.
- In Pennsylvania, regulated medical waste must be segregated at the point of origin into three streams — regulated medical waste, pathological waste and chemotherapeutic waste — each in its own container.
- Regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste can be picked up commercially in Pennsylvania only by a transporter licensed by the Pennsylvania DEP.
- Pennsylvania generators must prepare a log or shipping paper for every offsite shipment of regulated medical waste and keep tracking records for at least two years.
Pennsylvania Medical Waste Rules
Medical waste is regulated mainly by each state, with a few federal rules on top. In Pennsylvania it’s governed by 25 Pa. Code Chapter 284 (Regulated Medical and Chemotherapeutic Waste), with definitions in Chapter 271, adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection under the Solid Waste Management Act and the Infectious and Chemotherapeutic Waste Law. Here’s what they require of a practice, clinic or other healthcare facility.
What Pennsylvania regulates
Regulated Medical Waste (Infectious Waste)
Municipal and residual waste generated in the diagnosis, treatment, immunization or autopsy of human beings or animals, in related research, in the preparation of human or animal remains for interment or cremation, or in the production or testing of biologicals, that falls into one or more of the categories below — including those materials mixed with other waste. Pennsylvania’s rules define “regulated medical waste” as infectious waste. Chemotherapeutic waste (waste from the production or use of antineoplastic agents that isn’t RCRA hazardous waste) is regulated alongside it as its own stream. Wastes from home self-care, soiled diapers without regulated material, and human remains intended for interment or cremation are excluded; mixtures with hazardous waste are managed as hazardous waste.
- Cultures and stocks of infectious agents, including discarded live and attenuated vaccines
- Pathological wastes (human tissues, organs and body parts removed in surgery, autopsy or other procedures)
- Human blood and body fluid waste, including items saturated or dripping with blood or caked with dried blood
- Animal wastes from animals exposed to infectious agents in research, biologicals production or pharmaceutical testing
- Isolation wastes from humans or animals isolated for highly virulent diseases
- Used sharps (needles, syringes, scalpel blades, blood vials, broken glass and plasticware used in patient care or in contact with infectious agents)
Who regulates medical waste in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania DEP — Bureau of Waste Management
Regulates the segregation, storage, transport, tracking, processing and disposal of regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste in Pennsylvania. Its Hazardous Waste Program licenses regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste transporters, and DEP’s six regional offices handle inspections and generator exception calls.
Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Official websiteFederal OSHA — Pennsylvania Area Offices
Pennsylvania has no OSHA State Plan, so federal OSHA enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for private employers through six area offices: Allentown (Center Valley), Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre.
Key Pennsylvania requirements
| Topic | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Segregation | Regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste must be segregated at the point of origin into three categories — regulated medical waste (excluding pathological), pathological waste and chemotherapeutic waste — each in a separate container. Regulated medical waste sharps may go in a chemotherapeutic sharps container. Bags must be fluorescent orange, orange-red or red for regulated medical and pathological waste and yellow for chemotherapeutic waste. | 25 Pa. Code § 284.411 |
| Containers | Containers must be leakproof on the sides and bottom, kept upright, impervious to moisture and strong enough not to puncture, tear or burst. Used sharps also need rigid, tightly lidded, puncture-resistant containers, and fluids over 20 cc need break-resistant, tightly lidded containers. Bags used as the only container must be doubled, securely tied and certified by the manufacturer to ASTM D1709 (165 g) and D1922 (480 g). | 25 Pa. Code § 284.413 |
| Labeling | Outermost containers must be marked “Regulated Medical Waste” (and/or “Chemotherapeutic Waste”), with the universal biohazard symbol and the word “BIOHAZARD”, the date the container was full or sealed (whichever came first), and — for offsite shipment — the generator’s name, address and phone number, in legible indelible ink. | 25 Pa. Code § 284.414 |
| Onsite storage | Generators may not store regulated medical or chemotherapeutic waste longer than 30 days from the date the container is full or sealed, whichever occurs earlier. Waste that becomes putrescent must be moved offsite within 3 business days. Storage must be secured against unauthorized access, signed, protected from weather and vectors, and kept nonputrescent using refrigeration (45°F/7°C or colder) or freezing (0°F/−18°C or colder) when necessary. Separate, shorter limits (72 hours ambient, 7 days refrigerated, 30 days frozen) apply to offsite processing facilities, not generators. | 25 Pa. Code §§ 284.412, 284.415, 284.416 |
| Transport | No one may transport regulated medical or chemotherapeutic waste without a DEP transporter license, except onsite movement and generators of under 220 lb a month hauling only their own waste with a shipping log. Transporters use rigid, leakproof containers and noncompaction vehicles, may hold waste unrefrigerated in a vehicle for up to 72 hours (5 days refrigerated or frozen), and must refuse leaking, damaged or unlabeled packages. | 25 Pa. Code §§ 284.512, 284.602, 284.724 |
| Logs and shipping papers | Before waste leaves the site, the generator must give the transporter a log or shipping paper with the generator’s details, the transporter’s name, ID and Pennsylvania license number, the number and type of containers and quantity, waste code A100 (regulated medical waste) or A300 (chemotherapeutic), any DOT shipping description, and signatures. The transporter returns a record confirming delivery to the designated facility. | 25 Pa. Code §§ 284.711, 284.712, 284.722 |
| Exception reporting | If the generator hasn’t received confirmation that the designated facility received its waste within 30 days of pickup, it must contact the transporter or facility and phone DEP’s regional office within 1 business day. At 35 days, it must phone the regional office and submit a written exception report to DEP’s Central Office. | 25 Pa. Code § 284.714 |
| Records | Tracking records (logs or shipping papers) must be kept for at least 2 years from the date prepared and produced to DEP on request. The retention period extends automatically during an enforcement action. | 25 Pa. Code § 284.703 |
- 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.
Solid Waste Management Act (Act 97 of 1980)
Pennsylvania’s framework for regulating the storage, collection, transportation, processing and disposal of solid waste. Regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste is managed as a special handling municipal waste under rules adopted under it.
- 35 P.S. §§ 6019.1–6019.6
Infectious and Chemotherapeutic Waste Law (Act 93 of 1988)
Directs DEP to regulate the collection, transportation, processing, storage and disposal of infectious and chemotherapeutic waste, makes it unlawful to skip DEP’s tracking system (§ 2(c)), and requires a DEP license to transport the waste (§ 2(d)).
- 25 Pa. Code Chapter 284
Regulated Medical and Chemotherapeutic Waste
Segregation, containers, labeling and storage limits (Subchapter E), transport (F), transporter licensing (G) and tracking and recordkeeping (H), plus processing facility and treatment standards.
- 25 Pa. Code § 271.1
Municipal Waste Management — Definitions
Defines infectious (regulated medical) waste and its categories, chemotherapeutic waste, the exclusions, and special handling waste.
Federal rules that also apply
| Topic | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens | Sharps containers must be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, labeled or color-coded, and kept upright and within easy reach. Other regulated-waste containers must be closable, leak-proof and labeled with the biohazard symbol (or red). Pennsylvania has no OSHA State Plan: federal OSHA covers private employers, and state and local government workers aren’t covered by federal OSHA. | 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), (g)(1) |
| DOT shipping | Regulated medical waste ships as Division 6.2, UN3291, in rigid packaging that meets UN Packing Group II standards, with puncture-resistant containers for sharps. Pennsylvania requires transporters to make sure every shipment meets DOT rules, and the generator’s log must carry the DOT shipping name, hazard class and ID number where applicable. | 49 CFR 173.134, 173.197; 25 Pa. Code §§ 284.712(a)(5), 284.724(b) |
Reviewed September 2026. This is a plain-language summary to help you plan, not legal advice — rules change, so confirm details with the agencies above. MedPro handles transport, treatment and manifests for you and can help you understand what applies to your facility.
Pennsylvania regulated medical waste compliance checklist
Use this to check your facility against Pennsylvania’s regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste rules (25 Pa. Code Chapter 284) and the federal OSHA standard. MedPro handles the pickup, transport and treatment — the rest happens in your facility.
Get Compliant Pickup- 1
Waste is split into three streams where it’s generated
Regulated medical waste, pathological waste and chemotherapeutic waste each go in a separate container. Regulated medical waste sharps may share a chemo sharps container.
- 2
Bags are the right color and strength
Red, orange-red or fluorescent orange for regulated medical and pathological waste; yellow for chemotherapeutic waste. Bags used alone must be doubled, tied and certified to the ASTM impact and tear standards.
- 3
Sharps go in rigid, lidded containers
Rigid, tightly lidded, puncture-resistant and leakproof on the sides and bottom. Free-standing sharps containers need red or orange markings (yellow for chemo).
- 4
Outer containers are fully labeled and dated
“Regulated Medical Waste” (or “Chemotherapeutic Waste”), the biohazard symbol and the word “BIOHAZARD”, your name, address and phone, and the date the container was full or sealed.
- 5
Nothing is held past 30 days
Ship within 30 days of the full-or-sealed date, and within 3 business days if the waste becomes putrescent. Refrigerate (45°F or colder) or freeze (0°F or colder) when needed to keep it from putrefying.
- 6
Your storage area is secured and signed
Locked or otherwise closed to unauthorized people, marked with prominent warning signs, protected from weather and pests, and built of impermeable, cleanable materials.
- 7
Your hauler holds a Pennsylvania DEP license
Commercial pickup must be by a DEP-licensed regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste transporter, whose license number goes on your log or shipping paper.
- 8
Logs and shipping papers are kept two years
Keep the log you give the hauler and the delivery confirmation it sends back. If confirmation isn’t back in 30 days, call the hauler and DEP’s regional office; at 35 days, file an exception report.
Pennsylvania Medical Waste Savings
Projected annual savings from quotes we’ve prepared for Pennsylvania practices. Every practice is different — we charge only for the services you need.
See What You Could Save| Practice Type | ZIP Code | Annual SavingsProjected Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Community Health Center | 18102 | $4,800 |
| Funeral Home | 18102 | $2,244 |
| Research Lab | 18015 | $10,800 |
| Dermatology Associates | 18018 | $30,000 |
| Blood Bank | 16508 | $19,740 |
| Funeral Home | 19526 | $2,988 |
It’s Easy to Get Started With MedPro Disposal
- 01
Contact Us
Contact MedPro Disposal for a fast, free medical waste removal quote. We’ll get to know you, discuss your needs, and settle on a number.
- 02
Waste Pickup Date
Work with MedPro Disposal to determine your first pickup date. We’ll confirm your office hours and provide convenient options for medical waste and sharps pickup.
- 03
Compliance Survey
After we get to know your requirements, we’ll send you a survey to identify any areas that need to be brought up to OSHA standards. All three steps occur at no additional cost to your practice.
We service all of Pennsylvania
MedPro Disposal provides regulated medical waste pickup and disposal to healthcare facilities in every part of Pennsylvania — wherever your practice is. Local service pages include:
Near the state line? We serve the neighboring states too.
Pennsylvania Medical Waste FAQs
What counts as medical waste in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania calls it regulated medical waste, which its rules define as infectious waste: cultures and stocks (including discarded live vaccines), pathological waste, human blood and body fluid waste, contaminated animal waste, isolation waste and used sharps from healthcare, research, funeral and biologicals work (25 Pa. Code § 271.1). Chemotherapeutic waste is regulated alongside it as a separate stream. Waste from home self-care is excluded.
Who regulates medical waste disposal in Pennsylvania?
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), through its Bureau of Waste Management, regulates regulated medical and chemotherapeutic waste under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 284 and licenses the transporters that haul it. There’s no “Pennsylvania EPA.” Federal OSHA enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for private employers, and U.S. DOT rules govern shipping.
How long can a medical practice store medical waste in Pennsylvania?
Up to 30 days from the date the container is full or you seal it, whichever comes first — which is why Pennsylvania requires that date on the container label. If the waste becomes putrescent before then, it must be moved offsite within 3 business days. Refrigeration or freezing is required only when needed to keep the waste from putrefying; it doesn’t extend the 30 days (25 Pa. Code §§ 284.412, 284.414, 284.415). MedPro sets your pickup schedule so you stay inside this limit.
Do Pennsylvania medical practices need to separate chemotherapeutic waste?
Yes. Regulated medical waste, pathological waste and chemotherapeutic waste must each be segregated at the point of origin into separate containers — red, orange-red or fluorescent orange for regulated medical and pathological waste, and yellow for chemotherapeutic waste (25 Pa. Code § 284.411). Mixtures of regulated medical waste and chemotherapeutic waste are managed as chemotherapeutic waste.
What does Pennsylvania require of medical waste haulers?
Anyone commercially transporting regulated medical or chemotherapeutic waste in Pennsylvania needs a two-year DEP transporter license, which requires a collateral bond of at least $10,000, at least $500,000 in vehicle liability insurance covering spill cleanup, and an approved spill contingency plan. Vehicles must be noncompaction, marked with the license number, “Regulated Medical Waste” and the biohazard symbol, and carry a spill kit (25 Pa. Code §§ 284.512–284.513, 284.602–284.641). DEP publishes a list of licensed transporters.
How long do I need to keep medical waste records in Pennsylvania?
At least two years. Keep the log or shipping paper you give the hauler and the one it returns confirming delivery to the treatment facility for at least 2 years from the date prepared, longer if DEP is taking enforcement action (25 Pa. Code §§ 284.703, 284.712(c)). If confirmation isn’t back within 30 days of pickup, contact the hauler and DEP’s regional office.
Where in Pennsylvania does MedPro Disposal provide service?
Everywhere in Pennsylvania — we service facilities statewide, from Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley to Harrisburg, Erie and Pittsburgh. We also have local service pages for Allentown, Bethlehem, Erie, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton.
How much does medical waste disposal cost in Pennsylvania?
It depends on how much waste you generate and how often it’s picked up — we charge only for the services you need. MedPro quotes in Pennsylvania have projected annual savings of $30,000 for a dermatology practice, $19,740 for a blood bank and $4,800 for a community health center. Request a free, no-obligation quote for your facility.
Our services in Pennsylvania
Industries we serve
Sources
- 25 Pa. Code Chapter 284 — Regulated Medical and Chemotherapeutic Waste — Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin (Legislative Reference Bureau)
- 25 Pa. Code § 271.1 — Definitions — Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin (Legislative Reference Bureau)
- 25 Pa. Code § 284.415 — Duration of storage for generators — Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin (Legislative Reference Bureau)
- 25 Pa. Code § 284.701 — Tracking scope and exemptions — Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin (Legislative Reference Bureau)
- 25 Pa. Code § 284.321 — Regulated medical waste monitoring (treatment standards) — Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin (Legislative Reference Bureau)
- Infectious and Chemotherapeutic Waste Law, Act 93 of 1988 (35 P.S. §§ 6019.1–6019.6) — Pennsylvania General Assembly
- Solid Waste Management Act, Act 97 of 1980 (35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.) — Pennsylvania General Assembly
- Regulated Medical and Chemotherapeutic Waste — Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Apply for a Regulated Medical and Chemotherapeutic Waste Transporter Permit — Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Waste Contacts — Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Office Locations — Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 — U.S. OSHA
- State Plans (Pennsylvania is under federal OSHA) — U.S. OSHA
- Pennsylvania OSHA Area Offices — U.S. OSHA
- Infectious substances, 49 CFR 173.134 — eCFR
- Regulated medical waste, 49 CFR 173.197 — eCFR
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