YES! Sharps containers are single use and are expendable to the generator. Sharps containers may be purchased from San Diego Medical Waste Services separately from your disposal service by visiting
https://www.sdmedwaste.com/shopThe medical waste container labeling, San Diego County Ordinance SEC. 68.1205, was enacted in 1989 as a response to medical wastes that were washed ashore on area beaches and were found dumped in County landfills. Proper labeling must include: generator’s name, address and phone number.
As of September 1, 2008, California State Law prohibits the disposal of home-generated sharps into any container used for the trash, recycling or green waste.
San Diego Environmental Services Department 858-694-7000
https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/ep/hazardous/needles-sharps
Frequently Asked Questions
The Biohazard Disposal Answers You Need
About Our Biohazard Waste Disposal Service
San Diego Medical Waste Services is your go-to resource for safe and reliable sharps container disposal. With our wide selection of services, you can be sure that your sharps disposal needs are taken care of. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, providing you with a safe disposal solution. Contact us today and let us help you take care of your sharps disposal needs.
Price Lock Guarantee
We understand the importance of predictability when it comes to your finances. That is why we offer a price lock guarantee for our services. No increases for the duration of your service agreement.
No Additional Fees
We understand the importance of transparency and strive to provide our customers with a clear and hassle-free experience. No fuel fees, No energy fees, No additional fees.
Low Disposal Cost
By streamlining our processes, leveraging advanced routing and disposal technologies, we have successfully reduced the costs associated with disposal. You can confidently choose our services.
Locally Owned
When you choose to support our locally owned business, you can trust that you are making a positive impact on your community, as your patronage directly supports local jobs, services, and initiatives.
Veteran Owned
We are honored to be a veteran-owned business, founded and operated by individuals who have proudly served in the military. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and service is deeply rooted in our military experience.
Total Compliance
By emphasizing total compliance, we aim to build trust with our stakeholders, protect our reputation, and contribute to a fair and sustainable business environment.
Why San Diego Medical Waste Is The Clear Choice?
Community Leading Biohazard Waste Disposal Services
At San Diego Medical Waste Services, we are committed to ensuring your business remains compliant and safe. We understand the critical importance of proper biohazard waste handling and disposal. That's why we offer top-tier biohazard waste management services, designed to meet your needs and protect your environment.
What Is Biohazard Waste?
Biohazard waste, also known as infectious waste, refers to any material that poses a risk of infection to humans, animals, or the environment. This type of waste typically originates from healthcare facilities, laboratories, and medical research centers and includes any item contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. Proper disposal of biohazard waste is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Examples of Biohazard Waste:
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Contaminated Sharps: Needles, scalpels, and broken glass that have been used in medical procedures.
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Pathological Waste: Human tissues, organs, and body parts removed during surgery or autopsy.
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Blood and Bodily Fluids: Blood-soaked bandages, gauze, and other materials contaminated with bodily fluids.
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Microbiological Waste: Cultures, stocks, and specimens from medical laboratories.
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Animal Waste: Carcasses, body parts, and bedding from animals exposed to infectious agents.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Used gloves, gowns, masks, and other protective clothing.
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What Is A Biohazard Waste Container?
A biohazard waste container is a specialized receptacle designed for the safe disposal of materials contaminated with potentially infectious agents. These containers are essential in healthcare, laboratory, and research settings to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. Biohazard waste containers are typically made of durable, puncture-resistant materials and are clearly marked with the biohazard symbol to indicate their purpose. They come in various sizes and configurations, including foot-activated models, to accommodate different types of biohazardous waste and ensure easy and safe disposal.
Features of Biohazard Waste Containers:
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Durable Construction: Made from puncture-resistant materials to prevent leaks and punctures.
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Clear Labeling: Marked with the biohazard symbol for easy identification.
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Variety of Sizes: Available in different sizes to handle various amounts of waste.
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Foot-Activated Models: Allows hands-free operation to reduce the risk of contamination.
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Secure Lids: Equipped with tight-fitting lids to contain waste securely and minimize exposure.
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Compliance with Regulations: Designed to meet OSHA and other regulatory standards for safe waste disposal.
Where Should I Place My Biohazard Container?
Proper placement of biohazard containers is crucial to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations. Biohazard containers should be strategically located in areas where biohazardous waste is frequently generated, such as patient rooms, operating rooms, laboratories, and other medical or research facilities. They must be easily accessible to healthcare professionals, allowing for quick and safe disposal of contaminated materials. According to OSHA guidelines, containers should be placed as close as possible to the point of use and at a height that minimizes the risk of needlestick injuries. This careful positioning helps maintain a clean and hazard-free environment, protecting both staff and patients.
Ideal Locations for Biohazard Containers:
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Patient Rooms: Near bedsides to allow immediate disposal of used gloves, dressings, and other contaminated items.
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Operating Rooms: Close to surgical sites to dispose of sharps and other surgical waste efficiently.
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Laboratories: At workstations where biological materials and cultures are handled.
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Nurses' Stations: Easily accessible for disposing of biohazard waste generated during routine care activities.
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Procedure Rooms: Near examination tables for the disposal of medical waste during procedures.
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Common Areas: Strategically placed in high-traffic areas to ensure quick and safe disposal of biohazardous materials.
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What Should NOT Go Into A Biohazard Container?
While biohazard containers are designed for the safe disposal of infectious waste, certain items should not be placed in them to avoid contamination and ensure proper waste management. Items that do not pose a biological hazard or are not contaminated with potentially infectious materials should be disposed of in regular trash or other designated containers. Improper disposal of non-biohazardous waste in biohazard containers can lead to unnecessary hazards, increased disposal costs, and potential regulatory violations. Understanding what should not go into a biohazard container is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant waste management system.
Items That Should NOT Go Into a Biohazard Container:
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General Waste: Paper, packaging materials, and food waste that are not contaminated with biohazardous materials.
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Recyclables: Plastic bottles, cans, and other recyclable materials.
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Chemical Waste: Hazardous chemicals, solvents, and pharmaceuticals that require specialized disposal methods.
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Radioactive Waste: Materials contaminated with radioactive substances, which require separate handling and disposal.
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Sharps Without Contamination: Unused needles and other sharp objects that have not been exposed to biological hazards should go into designated sharps containers.
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Non-Contaminated PPE: Gloves, masks, and gowns that have not been exposed to infectious agents.
Knowledge Center
Step 1
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Place the primary biohazard waste container within the immediate area of use.
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Prior to use, line each biohazard container with an approved biohazard bag.
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Label each biohazard bag with your facility's name, address, and phone number.
(San Diego County Ordinance SEC. 68.1205)
Placement & Labeling
Step 2
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Upon generation, immediately place any biohazard or infectious waste into the lined biohazard container.
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Continue to fill this container until it is full or ready to dispose.
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Once full or ready to dispose, tie the liner (biohazard bag) into an approved knot.
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Remove the tied liner from the biohazard waste container and place it into the Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) Container (Next Step).
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Replace the liner with a new one to repeat the disposal process.
(California Health And Safety Code SEC 117750)
Interim Storage Area
Step 3
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On or before your scheduled service, remove biohazard bags from your interim storage areas or patient rooms and place the entire biohazard liner inside of the Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) container.
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Replace the now discarded sharps container with a new sharps container
PRO TIP: Both sharps containers and biohazard bags are commingled into Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) containers for disposal.
(California Health And Safety Code SEC 118310)
Designated Accumulation Area
Step 4
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On your scheduled service day, we will perform a one for one exchange of your onsite regulated medical waste (RMW) container and deliver any pre ordered products (sharps containers, biohazard bags, etc).
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Any waste that does not make it into the medical waste container prior to our arrival may be placed into the new container for pickup on your next scheduled service day.