Biohazard Disposal Service

No, Pharmaceutical waste is not considered a biohazard but a pharmaceutical waste or universal waste and it must be handle separately.

This varies state-to-state. In Michigan, you have up to 90 days to store biohazard before having to dispose of it. Contact your local authority to find out how long you can hold onto RMW.

You should store your medical waste in a lab or closet with a properly labeled door stating that this room is specifically meant for biohazard storage. Ask your Superior Medical Waste Representative for a biohazard storage container that perfectly fits your space.

Biohazard waste raises concerns over potential health hazards. Improper disposal of biohazard has lead to infection and disease outbreak. This concern grew in the 1980s when health officials found used needles and biohazard washing up on the shores of multiple East coast beaches. Abiding by all medical waste regulations reassures that the material is being safely disposed of. Not following RMW laws can cause facilities to be prosecuted by local and federal health agencies.

Biohazard is primarily regulated by state environmental and health departments. However, it is also regulated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are many hands in this pot but one should contact their state environmental protection agency for more information on medical waste regulations.

Biohazardous waste includes the following categories:

• Sharps, including but not limited to hypodermic needles, blades, and slides. For more information on recognizing sharps, read How to Dispose of Sharps.
• Dry biohazardous waste
  • Contaminated cultures, petri dishes, and other culture flasks
  • Infectious agents
  • Wastes from bacteria, viruses, spores, or live and attenuated vaccines
  • Waste contaminated with excretion, exudates, or secretations from infectious humans or animals
  • Paper towels, Kim wipes, bench paper, or any other items contaminated with biohazard materials
• Liquid biohazardous waste
  • Human or animal blood
  • Human or animal blood elements
  • Human or animal bodily fluids or semi-liquid materials
• Human anatomical specimens
• Animal carcasses and body parts if exposed to biohazardous materials

Here are some other names commonly used for biohazard waste:

• Medical Waste
• Biomedical Waste
• Healthcare Waste
• Infectious Waste
• Clinical Waste
• Red Bag Waste
• UN3291 PG II

Here are some examples of biohazard waste:

• Sharps
• Bandages
• IV Catheters
• Used Gloves
• Covid-19 Tests
• Expired Vaccines
• Blood saturated Items

Most medical waste cannot be stored at your facility for more than 90 days. The 90-day period begins when the storage container is first put into use, not when it becomes full. Your waste should be removed before that deadline. Sharps containers follow a separate rule: an in-use sharps container may remain onsite for up to 18 months, but it must be closed once it reaches three-quarters full. Once closed, it is still subject to the facility’s applicable 90-day medical waste storage limit.

Violations can result in fines of up to $2,500 per violation, plus up to $1,000 for each day the violation continues. Failure to register or provide a Medical Waste Management Plan for inspection carries a $500 fine. A court may also order the facility to stop the violation, and additional penalties may apply if other environmental, workplace-safety, or transportation laws are involved.