Packaging and Transportation Requirements for Regulated Medical Waste

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) makes the regulations for disposing of medical waste. Businesses must follow these rules.

Medical waste is solid waste from treating animals or people. It can include:

• Cultures
• Stocks
• Blood
• Human waste

Rules for Businesses Making Medical Waste

Businesses that make medical waste must:

• Package and label waste properly.
• Use red bags or other approved containers.
• Label bags or containers as "bio-medical waste" or "bio-hazardous waste."
• Include the name and contact info of the facility and a contact person on the bags or containers.
• Train staff in the safe disposal of medical waste every three years.

Breaking these rules can lead to fines or jail time.

Contact USDOT for more information on national regulations. Contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for information on rules in New York.