Medical Waste Disposal Service

No, Pharmaceutical waste is not considered regulated medical waste 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 medical waste 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 welcome packet and biohazard stickers to help you stay compliant.

Regulated Medical Waste raises concerns over potential health hazards. Improper disposal of RMW 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.

Medical waste 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.

Some different names for medical waste are:

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

Here are some examples of medical 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.

Several government agencies may inspect how your organization handles medical waste. In Michigan, this may include EGLE, your local health department, and MIOSHA. The Michigan State Police may also review how waste is packaged and prepared for transportation, while federal DOT or PHMSA inspectors may examine shipping documents, employee training, and transportation procedures. Because multiple agencies regulate different parts of the process, your facility should be prepared to show that its medical waste is properly stored, packaged, documented, and shipped.

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.