Hazardous Waste Disposal for Healthcare Facilities
Medical Waste Management Solutions for Hospitals, Clinics & Healthcare Providers
Healthcare facilities generate unique hazardous waste streams that require specialized handling beyond standard medical waste services. From pharmaceutical waste and laboratory chemicals to mercury devices and chemical disinfectants, Hazardous Waste Disposal provides compliant solutions for healthcare providers nationwide.
Call (800) 582-4833 for healthcare waste disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Healthcare Hazardous Waste We Handle
Pharmaceutical Waste (RCRA & Non-RCRA)
Expired, contaminated, or unused pharmaceuticals require proper disposal.
RCRA Hazardous Pharmaceuticals (P-listed & U-listed):
Chemotherapy drugs (e.g., warfarin, physostigmine)
Arsenic trioxide
Chloral hydrate
Chlorambucil
Epinephrine
Lindane
Nicotine
Phentermine
And other P-list and U-list drugs
Non-Hazardous Controlled Substances:
Schedule II-V medications
Narcotic pain relievers
Benzodiazepines
Stimulants
Non-Hazardous, Non-Controlled Medications:
Antibiotics
Over-the-counter medications
Vitamins and supplements
Topical preparations
EPA Requirements: The 2019 pharmaceutical rule (Subpart P) requires healthcare facilities to manage hazardous pharmaceuticals separately from other hazardous waste.
Laboratory Chemicals
Research labs, pathology labs, and clinical labs generate chemical waste.
What we handle:
Expired reagents
Formalin and fixatives
Stains and dyes
Solvents (xylene, alcohol, acetone)
Acids and bases
Mercury compounds
Lab pack services for small containers
Mercury-Containing Devices
Facilities must properly dispose of mercury items.
What we handle:
Mercury thermometers
Sphygmomanometers (blood pressure devices)
Esophageal dilators
Gastrointestinal tubes
Mercury switches in equipment
Free recycling programs may be available in your state
Chemical Disinfectants & Sterilants
Healthcare cleaning and sterilization chemicals are hazardous.
What we handle:
Glutaraldehyde (Cidex)
Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)
Formaldehyde solutions
Hydrogen peroxide (high concentration)
Peracetic acid
Bleach solutions (sodium hypochlorite)
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Chemotherapy Waste (Trace & Bulk)
Items contaminated with chemotherapy drugs require special handling.
Trace Chemotherapy Waste:
Empty IV bags and tubing
PPE worn during chemo administration
Gloves and gowns
Preparation mats
Bulk Chemotherapy Waste:
Partially full chemo vials
Expired chemotherapy drugs
Prepared but unused doses
Special handling: Must be managed under both RCRA P-list regulations and DOT requirements.
X-Ray & Photo Processing Chemicals
Radiology departments generate photographic chemicals.
What we handle:
X-ray developer
X-ray fixer (contains silver)
Photo processing solutions
Silver recovery available: We can arrange silver recovery from fixer solutions.
Pathology Waste
Pathology and histology labs use specialized chemicals.
What we handle:
Formalin (formaldehyde solution)
Xylene
Alcohol (ethanol, methanol, isopropanol)
Staining solutions
Spent tissue processors waste
Dental Amalgam Waste
Dental offices generate mercury-containing amalgam.
What we handle:
Amalgam scrap
Contact amalgam
Non-contact amalgam
Amalgam separator capsules
Extracted teeth with amalgam
EPA Rule: As of 2020, dental offices must use amalgam separators and comply with EPA disposal requirements.
Batteries & Electronics
Healthcare facilities use extensive electronic equipment.
What we handle:
Lead-acid batteries (backup power)
Lithium batteries (medical devices)
Button cell batteries
Electronic waste from medical equipment
Aerosol Cans
Medical facilities use various aerosol products.
What we handle:
Topical sprays
Lubricants
Cleaning aerosols
Medical aerosol products
Healthcare Waste Regulations
EPA Pharmaceutical Rule (Subpart P)
Effective September 2019, healthcare facilities must:
Separate hazardous pharmaceutical waste from other hazardous waste
Label containers "Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals"
Manage under healthcare reverse distributors or RCRA disposal
Train staff on proper identification
Maintain records
RCRA Requirements for Healthcare
Depending on generation rates, your facility may be:
Large Quantity Generator (LQG): >1,000 kg/month (2,200 lbs)
EPA ID number required
90-day accumulation limit
Personnel training
Contingency plans
Small Quantity Generator (SQG): >100 kg but <1,000 kg/month
EPA ID number required
180-day accumulation limit (or 270 days if >200 miles to disposal)
Basic training
Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG): <100 kg/month
Minimal requirements but still must ensure proper disposal
DEA Controlled Substances
Schedule II-V controlled substances must be disposed of following DEA regulations:
Two-person destruction witnesses
DEA Form 41 submission
Approved reverse distributors or law enforcement take-back
Secure storage until disposal
State-Specific Requirements
Many states have additional healthcare waste regulations beyond federal requirements. We ensure compliance with all applicable state rules.
Our Healthcare Waste Services
Pharmaceutical Waste Management
Comprehensive pharmaceutical disposal services:
P-list and U-list hazardous pharmaceuticals
Non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste
Controlled substances (DEA compliant)
Expired medications
Damaged or recalled drugs
Service includes:
Proper containers and labeling
Segregation assistance
Manifest preparation
Incineration or other approved disposal
Certificates of destruction
Laboratory Waste Services
Complete lab waste management:
Lab pack services for small containers
Bulk chemical disposal
Formalin and fixative disposal
Solvent collection
Acid/base neutralization and disposal
Mercury Device Collection
Safe mercury item disposal:
Thermometer collection
Blood pressure device recycling
Mercury equipment removal
Proper packaging and transportation
Regular Scheduled Service
Monthly, quarterly, or annual pickup:
Predictable compliance
Consistent documentation
Staff training support
Container supply and management
Emergency & One-Time Pickup
For immediate needs:
Facility closures
Mergers and acquisitions
Inspections and audits
Inventory cleanouts
Why Healthcare Facilities Choose Us
Healthcare Expertise
Over 30 years working with hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. We understand your unique waste streams and regulatory requirements.
HIPAA Compliance
We maintain strict confidentiality and can provide secure handling for any waste with patient information.
Complete Documentation
Every disposal includes:
Detailed manifests
Certificates of destruction
DEA Form 41 (when applicable)
Compliance records for audits
Flexible Scheduling
We work around your facility operations, patient care schedules, and staff availability.
Staff Training Support
We provide guidance on waste segregation, storage, and regulatory compliance for your staff.
Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Budget-friendly options for facilities of all sizes.
Common Healthcare Scenarios
Small Medical Clinic
A multi-physician practice generates expired medications, lab chemicals, and mercury thermometers quarterly. We provide annual pickup service with proper containers and DEA compliance for controlled substances. Cost: $400-$800/year.
Hospital Pharmacy
A medium-sized hospital pharmacy accumulates 50 pounds of hazardous pharmaceuticals monthly plus non-hazardous medications. We provide monthly pickup with pharmaceutical-specific containers and complete documentation. Cost: $600-$1,200/month.
Dental Office
A multi-chair dental practice generates amalgam waste, X-ray chemicals, and disinfectants. We provide twice-yearly service with amalgam separators and proper chemical disposal. Cost: $300-$600/pickup.
Pathology Laboratory
A busy pathology lab generates formalin, xylene, alcohols, and staining solutions weekly. We provide monthly lab pack service with bulk chemical collection. Cost: $800-$1,500/month.
Healthcare Compliance Tips
Pharmaceutical Waste:
Separate P-list and U-list drugs from other waste
Label containers "Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals"
Don't put pharmaceuticals down drains
Maintain accumulation start dates
Keep controlled substances secure until disposal
Storage Best Practices:
Use dedicated pharmaceutical waste containers
Keep containers closed except when adding waste
Store away from patient care areas
Maintain room temperature storage
Separate incompatible chemicals
Employee Training:
Train all staff on pharmaceutical identification
Review proper segregation procedures
Teach spill response procedures
Update training annually
Record Keeping:
Maintain disposal manifests for 3+ years
Keep DEA Form 41 copies
Document employee training
Track waste generation quantities
Healthcare Waste Disposal Costs
Pricing depends on:
Waste types and quantities
Service frequency
Facility size and location
Controlled substance handling
Special documentation needs
Typical Ranges:
Pharmaceutical waste disposal: $3-$8 per pound
Lab pack service: $200-$500 per pickup
Mercury thermometer disposal: $2-$5 per thermometer
Amalgam waste: $50-$150 per container
Full-service monthly pickup: $400-$2,000 depending on volume
Call (800) 582-4833 for a custom quote for your facility
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we flush expired medications down the drain? A: No. This contaminates water supplies and violates EPA regulations. All pharmaceuticals must be properly disposed of.
Q: What's the difference between P-list and U-list pharmaceuticals? A: P-list drugs are acutely hazardous (even in small quantities) and have stricter requirements. U-list drugs are toxic but less restrictive.
Q: How should we handle controlled substances? A: Secure storage, two-person destruction witness, DEA Form 41 submission, and approved disposal through reverse distributor or law enforcement.
Q: Can we mix different types of pharmaceutical waste? A: P-list hazardous pharmaceuticals must be kept separate. Non-hazardous pharmaceuticals can be mixed. Always segregate controlled substances.
Q: What if we don't know if a drug is hazardous? A: Check the EPA's P-list and U-list, consult your SDS, or call us for identification assistance.
Q: How should formalin be stored? A: In closed containers, in well-ventilated areas, away from heat and incompatible materials.
Q: Do we need an EPA ID number? A: Yes, if you generate more than 100 kg of hazardous waste per month (about 220 pounds).
Get Started with Healthcare Waste Service
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Types of waste you generate
Approximate monthly quantities
List of any P-list or U-list drugs
Controlled substance information
Your facility type and size
We'll provide:
Custom quote for your facility
Container and labeling guidance
Service schedule options
All necessary paperwork
Regulatory compliance support
Serving healthcare facilities nationwide since 1992