top of page
biohazard waste disposal company

How to Package Medical Waste

San Diego Medical Waste Disposal Services

About Our Medical Waste Disposal Service

San Diego Medical Waste Services is your go-to resource for safe and reliable sharps container disposal. With our comprehensive range of services, you can trust that your sharps disposal needs are covered. Our experience and expertise ensure a job done right, providing you with a secure disposal solution. Contact us today and let us 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 Medical Waste Disposal Services

At San Diego Medical Waste Services, we are dedicated to keeping your business compliant and safe. We understand the importance of proper medical waste handling and disposal, which is why we provide the best medical waste management services in the area. 

What Is Medical Waste?

Medical waste refers to any waste generated during medical, dental, or veterinary care, treatment, or research. It is typically divided into two main categories: sharps and biohazard waste. Sharps include items like needles, syringes, scalpels, and other instruments that can puncture or cut. Biohazard waste encompasses materials that are potentially infectious or hazardous, such as contaminated gloves, bandages, cultures, and swabs. Examples of medical waste include used needles, blood-soaked dressings, discarded surgical instruments, and pathological waste like tissues and organs. Proper disposal of medical waste is crucial to prevent the spread of infections and protect public health and the environment.

What Is Biohazard Waste?

What Is A Medical Waste Container?

A medical waste container is a specially designed receptacle used for the safe disposal and containment of medical waste, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. These containers are typically durable, puncture-resistant, and leak-proof to securely hold hazardous materials without risk of exposure or contamination. They come in various sizes and forms to accommodate different types of medical waste, such as sharps containers for needles and scalpels, and larger bins for biohazardous materials like contaminated gloves, dressings, and tissues. Proper use of medical waste containers is essential for preventing injuries, controlling the spread of infections, and protecting both healthcare workers and the environment.

  • 10 Gallon

  • 17 Gallon

  • 18 Gallon

  • 28 Gallon

  • 38 Gallon

  • 43 Gallon

  • 44 Gallon

  • 96 Gallon

  • 200 Gallon

*** Medical waste containers are multi use and are NOT expendable to the generator.  Medical waste containers may be purchased from San Diego Medical Waste Services separately from your disposal service by visiting https://www.sdmedwaste.com/shop

Where Should I Place My Medical Waste Container?

Placing your medical waste container in the right location is crucial for safety and compliance. Ideally, medical waste containers should be positioned in easily accessible areas within healthcare facilities, such as treatment rooms, laboratories, and near workstations where waste is frequently generated. Ensure that the containers are placed at a convenient height to avoid bending or reaching, reducing the risk of spills or injuries. They should also be located away from high-traffic areas to prevent accidental tipping or tampering. Additionally, it is essential to follow local regulations and facility protocols regarding the placement of medical waste containers to ensure safe and efficient waste management.

What Should NOT Go Into A Medical Waste Container?

Medical waste containers are designed specifically for regulated medical waste, and placing inappropriate items in these containers can pose significant risks. Items that should not go into a medical waste container include regular household waste, recyclables, food waste, and general office trash. Additionally, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and radioactive waste require separate, specialized disposal methods and should not be mixed with medical waste. It's important to avoid disposing of large amounts of liquid or free-flowing fluids in these containers, as they can cause leaks or spills. Proper segregation of waste types ensures the safety of healthcare workers and maintains compliance with health and environmental regulations.​

 

Things that should not be thrown in a sharps container include:

  • Pharmaceuticals/Medications: Medical waste containers are not meant for the disposal of medications, including pills, liquids, or creams. Medications should be disposed of following specific guidelines provided by your local enforcement agency.

  • Aerosols or inhalers (These items are typically hazardous or "RCRA" Waste and go into a hazardous waste container.

  • Garbage or liquids of any kind.

  • Batteries of any type.

  • Hazardous, chemical, radioactive or red bag waste (non-sharps regulated medical waste).

What Should NOT Go Into A Biohazard Container?
texture.png
  • 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/shop

  • The 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

Knowledge Center

Step 1

  • Prior to use, line the regulated medical waste (RMW) container with an approved ASTM-rated red bag liner.

  • Label each RED bag that lines the container with your facility's name, address, and phone number.

  • Begin to fill the container with Sharps containers and Biohazard Bags.

PRO TIP: Do not overfill the container so that the lid will still fit. 

Prepare the Container

Step 2

  • Place secured sharps containers and tied red bag medical waste into the lined regulated medical waste (RMW) transport container in an upright position. Ensure that no needles spill out during this process.

    • NO Loose Sharps can be placed into this container.

    • NO PHARMACEUTICALS can be placed into this container.

 

PRO TIP: Both sharps containers and biohazard bags are commingled into Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) containers for disposal.

Fill the Container

Step 3

  • On or before your scheduled service, Bring the tops of the bag together without touching the contents. Twist the top of the bag to form a rope.

  • Seal the Bag: Use one of two methods:

    • Overhand Knot: Make a loop with the rope and pull the end through the hole, tightening both ends.

    • Gooseneck Method: Fold the rope end over itself and seal it with plastic zip ties or duct tape.

Secure the RED Waste Bag

Step 4

  • Seal the container by placing the lid firmly on the top.

  • 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).

  • 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.

Secure the Transport Container

How to Package Medical Waste

bottom of page