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This policy defines the conditions for offering regulated medical waste to Sharps Medical Waste Services (MWS) for collection, transportation, and treatment. The waste generator must identify each waste stream and prepare every package and shipping record in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Before pickup, the generator must segregate the material, use packaging authorized for the contents, secure all closures, apply required marks and labels, and complete the required documentation. Facility permits, service agreements, and state-specific rules may impose additional limits. For guidance before placing waste into a Sharps MWS container, contact your local representative or email [email protected].
Standard Sharps MWS regulated medical waste service is intended for qualifying waste produced during patient care, diagnosis, immunization, veterinary care, or biomedical research. Depending on the governing jurisdiction, this material may be described as infectious, biohazardous, biomedical, clinical, or regulated medical waste. Acceptance remains subject to the generator’s location, the receiving facility’s permit, and the services authorized by contract.
The standard regulated medical waste stream does not include RCRA hazardous pharmaceuticals; DEA-controlled substances; bulk chemotherapy agents; mercury or other heavy-metal waste; batteries; chemical cauterants; non-infectious dental waste; ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or otherwise hazardous chemicals; bulk free liquids; radioactive material; or whole or substantially intact human remains. Placing an excluded material in a red bag, sharps container, reusable tub, or other medical-waste package does not make that material acceptable. A separate approved service may be required where available.
Material known or reasonably suspected to contain an untreated Category A infectious substance, an untreated concentrated culture containing Category A material, or a regulated select agent or toxin is outside standard service. Do not offer such material for pickup unless Sharps MWS has issued written authorization after the applicable inactivation, packaging, permit, and transportation requirements have been confirmed. The generator remains responsible for compliance with 42 CFR Part 73, 7 CFR Part 331, and 9 CFR Part 121, as applicable. Pharmaceutical and hazardous-waste programs are governed by separate acceptance criteria and service arrangements.
DEA-controlled substances are excluded from the standard regulated medical waste program
The generator is responsible for waste characterization, segregation, inner and outer packaging, closure, marking, labeling, and shipping documentation. Packages must be compatible with their contents and remain secure under normal handling and transportation. Requirements vary by package type and waste form; 49 CFR 173.197 and related provisions must be followed.
Before offering a package for pickup, confirm that it is:
1) Rigid and Structurally Sound
2) Compatible and Leak-Resistant
3) Closed Exactly as Designed
4) Protected From Tearing or Breakage
5) Liquids Contained or Absorbed
6) Sharps Secured in Puncture-Resistant Containers
Each shipment must include an accurate, complete shipping paper, manifest, or other record required for the material and jurisdiction. See 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart C, including 49 CFR 172.202.
Sharps MWS may reject, isolate, hold, return, or redirect any container or shipment that does not meet this policy, applicable law, a facility permit, or the approved service profile. Reasons may include an incorrect waste stream, unapproved contents, missing or inaccurate documentation, improper closure or labeling, visible leakage, damaged packaging, excessive weight, or any condition that could expose workers or the public. If a problem is discovered after pickup, Sharps MWS may return the material to the generator or arrange an authorized treatment pathway. The generator remains responsible for corrective handling, repackaging, documentation, and applicable charges. Waste designated for incineration—including approved pathological, trace-chemotherapy, and qualifying pharmaceutical waste—must be identified and segregated before collection.
“We strive to lead in innovative, cost-effective solutions that manage regulated waste responsibly while safeguarding people and the planet.”
DEA-controlled substances are not accepted in standard regulated medical waste containers.
Use this summary to separate the standard RMW stream from material requiring special approval or a different disposal program.
DEA-controlled substances are not accepted in standard regulated medical waste containers.
SHARPS MEDICAL WASTE SERVICES
9220 KIRBY DR., SUITE 500
HOUSTON, TEXAS (USA) 77054
800.772.5657
This Web Privacy Policy is effective July 21, 2026. Sharps Medical Waste Services may change this statement at any time without notice.
