There are 5 types of medical waste outlined in California’s Medical Waste Management Act:
✔ Biohazardous waste
✔ Sharps waste
✔ Pathology waste
✔ Pharmaceutical Waste
✔ Trace chemotherapy waste
Biohazardous Waste
Biohazardous waste is any regulated medical waste, clinical waste, or biomedical waste that is suspected to be contaminated and suspected of containing a highly communicable disease. Put simply, this would be any waste contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
✔ Blood and blood products
✔ Cultures or stocks of infectious agents
✔ Personal protective equipment contaminated with blood or OPIM
Sharps Waste
Sharps waste is any contaminated device capable of cutting or piercing.
✔ Hypodermic needles
✔ Syringes
✔ Blades
Pathology Waste
Pathology waste is any human or animal parts derived from a surgical-like procedure.
✔ Human or animal tissues
✔ Carcasses
✔ Organs
Pharmaceutical Waste
Pharmaceutical waste is any over the counter human or veterinary drug that is unused or expired.
✔ Over the counter medications
✔ Contraceptives
✔ Antibiotics
Trace Chemotherapy Waste
Trace chemotherapy waste that is any waste that is contaminated with or came into contact with chemotherapeutic agents.
✔ Contaminated personal protective equipment
✔ IV Bags and tubing
✔ Contaminated sharps waste
Why This Matters for Medical Waste Disposal in California
In California, you must ensure you are following all of the guidelines outlined in the Medical Waste Management Act. Facilities generating any of the types of medical waste must adhere to California’s medical waste regulations.
Part of these regulations involves properly segregating medical waste into the proper containers. Proper segregation helps ensure waste streams are treated appropriately and in a manner that does not cause serious environmental harm.
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable provider for medical waste disposal pickups in California, contact us today.
