Biohazard waste isn’t regular trash. Also known as regulated medical waste (RMW), red bag, biomedical, or infectious waste, biohazard waste has been contaminated or could be infectious. Stay safe and maintain patient privacy with proper disposal.
Even if biohazard waste isn’t known to be contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), it has to be kept separate from other trash — including sharps.
Biohazard waste is an umbrella term that can include:
Because RMW has serious public health risks, it can only be handled, treated, and disposed of by certified biohazard waste removal companies.
Pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms can live on biohazard waste for months or more. Anyone who encounters unsecured RMW could be exposed to serious health risks.
When discarded like regular waste, biohazard waste’s chemicals and pathogens enter the environment. Improper disposal contaminates the soil, water, and even air. These items may not decompose in a landfill, so poor handling can have an impact that lasts centuries — or more.
Federal and state agencies have strict handling requirements, and each violation can mean fines and penalties in the thousands.
Civil lawsuits and potential loss of licensure are on the line. Ongoing or willful violations can even have criminal charges, including jail time.
Your patients and customers count on you to handle waste safely and correctly. Dropping the ball can damage that trust — especially when you’re providing sensitive services that demand privacy and care.
There is no excuse for throwing “just a little” red bag waste in with the regular trash. Regulated medical waste must be handled properly from beginning to end, and only by the right people.
Household medical waste is handled differently, but any facility that generates biohazard waste is subject to local, state, and federal waste management regulations. This includes:
The regulations don’t stop at the facility level. Any person who manages biohazard waste — including team members at your facility or clinic — needs to follow certain rules:
Regulates disposal of any waste that might impact health or the environment:
Defines and regulates the handling and disposal of medications, controlled substances, and other drugs:
Protects workers and other people handling medical waste at every stage, from first use to final disposal processing:
States also have their own guidelines and regulations to keep people and the planet safe while properly managing biohazard waste.
We manage every red bag and regulated medical waste container with discretion, accountability, and care.
We handle every step from pickup and transport to treatment and documentation in full compliance with all federal and state laws. You’ll receive complete manifests, treatment records, and certificates of destruction for your waste. Access your records in our secure client portal any time.
Our technicians are trained professionals who understand the responsibility that comes with handling biohazard waste. We hold ourselves to a high standard and maintain the safest handling of infectious materials at every stage.
We’re proud to use advanced, non-incineration treatment methods that are safer for your staff and the planet. Our USDA-approved steam technology neutralizes pathogens without harmful emissions for a cleaner, greener solution than traditional burning methods.
Partner with a trusted biohazard waste management provider committed to safety, compliance, and reliability. We go beyond basic service to deliver tailored solutions that protect your staff, your patients, and your reputation.
