Medical Waste is usually considered as any solid waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biologicals. Examples of medical waste include:
- Blood and blood products
- Pathological waste
- Cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals
- Contaminated animal carcasses, body parts and bedding
- Sharps
- Biotechnological byproduct effluents
In a college or university setting medical wastes are usually generated at health clinics and in research laboratories conducting animal studies, medical or biological research.
Medical waste disposal is primarily regulated at the state and local level. You should contact your institution’s EH&S department or local regulatory agencies for specific information on regulations governing medical waste disposal for your institution.
For more information on federal regulations that apply to medical wastes go on to the next section of this area.