Laboratory waste is defined as specimen cultures, bacteria, parasites, viruses, or other microorganisms that increase the risk of contamination, morbidity, or mortality.

Pharmaceutical waste may also be included in the above category but, in this case, refers to bottled medicines that are either no longer needed for patient care or expired. Pharmaceutical waste can fall into three subcategories: non-controlled, controlled, and hazardous.

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Examples of anatomical waste (or pathological waste/biological waste) include: Body parts, organs, and tissues (skin, muscle, and so forth).

Sharps waste doesn't just refer to needles, but scalpels, knives, infusion sets, razor blades, broken glass, and syringes—anything with a sharp edge that has the potential to puncture skin and become contaminated with biological material.

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This includes specimens or tissues removed during autopsy or surgical procedures that are also suspected of contamination by any infectious agent that may pose a danger to human health. This category is often also referred to as pathological waste or biological waste.

With 26 years experience working in healthcare, Amy has implemented sustainability initiatives for over 100 hospitals across the United States and brings unique practice and compliance expertise to healthcare waste management.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides basic information regarding federal guidelines for segregation, collection, and disposal procedures for regulated medical waste - in addition to resources for state regulations. However, all states must follow federal guidelines regarding transportation and disposal.

This is any type of waste that contains human or animal blood, fluids from blood products or components, or objects used in the treatment of animals or humans that may be contaminated with infectious materials. Examples include: Swabs, animal or human tissue waste, and excreta.

Carelessness of waste segregation can result in hefty non-compliance fines or may also increase your cost to be serviced due to unnecessary overclassification.

This includes animal tissues, any animal body, or bodily fluids that, like anatomical waste, can potentially contain infectious agents that may pose a risk to humans.

Any medical waste generator, including those that generate waste containing biohazardous materials, is mandated to adhere to federal and state waste guidelines. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Bottom line: Do you know how to deal with different types of biohazard waste? Do you know federal and state regulations inside and out for the proper segregation and disposal of such waste? With decades of experience in the industry, Daniels Health does.

The simple answer is yes, as sharps can fit under the description of potentially causing harm to humans, especially regarding contaminants and exposure to body fluids, animal or human blood, and pathogens. Sharps must be disposed of properly, lest they end up on the beachfront, which has happened in the past and is a large part of the reason that Daniels Health was founded.

If you’ve arrived at this page, you’re likely asking yourself questions such as “if it comes from a medical facility, is it automatically considered medical waste?” Or, “what’s the difference between biohazard waste or 'regular' medical waste? Can it all be disposed of in the same way?” In short, the answer is no. Medical waste is separated into several different categories depending on its type.

The difference between liquid waste and solid biohazardous waste is thus defined: liquid waste comprises any type of liquid drained or generated from an infected area of the body (animal or human), including cell culture media, supernatant, blood and other bodily fluids.

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Sharps of any kind should be properly disposed of in a sharps container placed in convenient and adequate locations to reduce needlestick injury. Any metal sharps waste should not ever be placed in a regular trash can or dumpster.

This category ranges from barium enemas to trace chemotherapy drugs. Cytotoxic (any type of drug that may pose a danger to living cells) drugs commonly used to treat cancers fall into this category. Also included in this category are x-rays and tar-based products.

Solid wastes can include examples such as bandages and dressings—contaminated waste that has come into contact with blood or other body fluids. This can also include casts contaminated with sweat or fluids such as blood.

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We promote waste stream segregation methods that keep you in compliance with the added benefit of CO2 emissions reduction and reduced carbon footprint. When it comes to healthcare waste segregation and management, don't take chances. Call Daniels Health for help setting up a workable and safe healthcare waste management system.

If you don't know how to answer any of these questions, it's time for a primer on biohazard waste: how it's defined and the rules regarding its segregation, transportation, collection, and disposal. Contact one of Daniels Health’s medical waste disposal professionals to learn more now:

There's a reason medical waste must be properly segregated, and state and federal guidelines should be strictly adhered to so as to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and contamination.

Now, armed with this knowledge, it's important to ensure you are segregating these waste streams accordingly. If you're unsure, be sure to check out our deep-dive into biomedical waste segregation guidelines:

A primary concern today is the collection and disposal of sharps. And what about sharps container placement? Are sharps considered biohazardous waste products?

While specific definitions of examples of biohazard waste and biohazard waste disposal may differ slightly in regard to wording, the basic definition of biohazard or hazardous waste is anything that has the potential to cause harm, infection, or contamination of a dangerous agent to humans. Biohazard waste types include: