Infectious Waste

Hazardous

Infectious waste is that which can potentially cause infection and disease. Also referred to as "red bag" or biohazardous waste, infectious waste is distinct from hazardous waste. Examples include medical sharps and contaminated pathology or laboratory wastes. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has developed numerous resources for the health care industry that include: rules for packaging, labeling, handling and segregation of infectious waste a requirement for transporters and storage, treatment and disposal facilities to submit management plans storage, transport, spill response, treatment and disposal standards a requirement for generators to develop and follow a management plan. The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) maintains an on-line list of canister-free and reusable canister vacuum systems. Businesses may save on labor, disposal and purchase costs by using these systems to reduce infectious waste. For on-line help reducing health care related wastes and preventing associated pollution, visit Hospitals for a Healthy Environment and Health Care Without Harm. For more information, visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency web site or call (651) 296-6300.

Resources & Links

Managing Waste from Health Care Providers

Table of Common Wastes in the Health Care Industry

Regulatory Consensus on Health Care Issues

Evaluating Pharmaceutical Wastes

Success Stories

A Prescription for Reducing Solid Waste

Health East Midway Outpatient Center in St. Paul changed its approach to suctioning body fluids in surgery. The center had been using three to five suction canisters per surgery case for containing fluids removed during procedures. After each procedure, the contents of the canisters were disposed of as infectious waste and the canisters were thrown away.

Changing to a canister-free vacuum system brought advantages. Employee safety was a big benefit: staff no longer needs to dump the canisters, which were heavy and posed a splashing danger. According to operating room supervisor Michelle Draxton, the canister-free vacuum system has cut the amount of solid waste at the facility. Over time there will definitely be a savings. Author: Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)

Disposal Information

Recycling & Disposal Sites lists transporters that offer services to infectious waste generators in the metro area, including containers for collection, transportation and disposal. Transporters are required to be registered under Minnesota law. Before hiring a transporter, verify its Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) registration by calling (651) 296-6300 or ask to see its registration card.

For more information on each facility, including a list of other items accepted, click on the facility name.