The definition of regulated medical waste (RMW), also known as biohazardous medical waste, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), varies by state. biohazardous RMW generally refer to waste saturated with liquid or semi-liquid blood, contaminated sharps and pathological wastes.
Generally, these wastes have properties that make them potentially hazardous to human health or the environment, therefore requiring proper packaging, transport, treatment, and disposal.
At Stericycle, we understand the importance of managing the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of various types of regulated medical waste for facilities of all sizes, all while complying with rigorous federal, state, and local regulations.
We partner with you to facilitate compliant disposal for healthcare waste* of all types:
- Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) generated from procedures including any items saturated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), such as bandages, gauze, or personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Sharps waste such as needles, scalpels, blades, and pipettes should be disposed of in a designated sharps container to reduce needlestick injuries that can result in bloodborne pathogens exposure.
- Chemotherapy wastes includes empty chemo drug vials, syringes and needles, spill kits, IV tubing and bags, contaminated gloves and gowns, as well as materials from spill cleanups, or bodily fluids, and/or waste.
- Pathological waste such as human or animal body parts, organs, tissues, and surgical specimens generated from medical procedures conducted by healthcare practitioners.
In 2020, Stericycle safely treated 1.5 billion pounds of medical waste, protecting the public from potentially infectious material globally. For over 30 years, we have served various industries including:
- Hospitals and Health Systems
- Physician Clinics
- Dental Facilities
- Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals
- Clinics and Urgent Care Centers
- Surgery Centers
- Dialysis Centers
- Medical Labs and Research Centers
- Funeral Homes
- Home Health Organizations
- Compounding Pharmacies
- Nursing and Long-term Care Facilities
- Blood Banks
- Educational Institutions
- Small Businesses
We protect what matters.
