Experience secure and compliant pharmaceutical waste disposal with United States Medical Waste Services, LLC. Your trusted partner for reliable pharmaceutical waste management solutions.
Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Service
United States Medical Waste Services is your go-to resource for safe and reliable Pharmaceutical Waste disposal. With our wide selection of services, you can be sure that your sharps disposal needs are taken care of. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, providing you with a safe disposal solution. Contact us today and let us help you take care of your sharps disposal needs.
About Our Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Service
Non-RCRA Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Guide
Step 1
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Non-RCRA Pharmaceutical waste containers are colored (WHITE/BLUE).
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Prior to use, label each pharmaceutical waste container with your facility's name, address, and phone number.
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Labeled with “HIGH HEAT” or “INCINERATION ONLY” on lid and sides [MWMA 118275(6)]
Container & Labeling
Step 2
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Place new pharmaceutical waste containers (WHITE/BLUE) in an area that is either locked or under direct supervision.
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Immediately after use, place qualified pharmaceuticals into the pharmaceutical waste container until the contents of the container reach the "FULL" line.
Interim Storage Area
Step 3
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Once full or ready to dispose, tightly close the lid. Use locking tabs and tape when available.
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On or before your scheduled service, remove pharmaceutical waste containers from interim storage area from step 2 and place the entire container next to (NOT INSIDE OF) the regulated medical waste (RMW) container to be picked up during your scheduled service day.
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PRO TIP: Pharmaceutical waste containers also act as a sharps container for syringes with pharmaceutical liquid remaining inside of them after use.
Designated Accumulation Area
Step 4
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On your scheduled service day, we will perform a one for one exchange of your (WHITE/BLUE) pharmaceutical waste container if it is next to your medical waste container indicating that it is full and ready for disposal.
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Any pharmaceutical waste that does not make it into the container prior to our arrival may be picked up on your next scheduled service day.
Scheduled Medical Waste Service
Why Choose United States Medical Waste Is The Clear Choice!
Locally Owned
When you choose to support our locally owned business, you can trust that you are making a positive impact on your community, as your patronage directly supports local jobs, services, and initiatives.
Veteran Owned
We are honored to be a veteran-owned business, founded and operated by individuals who have proudly served in the military. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and service is deeply rooted in our military experience.
Total Security
By emphasizing total compliance, we aim to build trust with our stakeholders, protect our reputation, and contribute to a fair and sustainable business environment.
At United States Medical Waste Services, we specialize in compliant and safe pharmaceutical waste disposal. Understanding the critical nature of proper waste management, we deliver top-notch services to ensure your business stays within regulations. Reach out today for expert pharmaceutical waste solutions.
Environmentally Safe Pharmaceutical Disposal Services
Hospitals, medical clinics, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, and other health care facilities generate several types of wastes. These include hazardous waste identified under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), non-RCRA hazardous waste, and medical waste. When SB 1966 became effective in 1997, pharmaceutical wastes classified as non-RCRA (California only) hazardous waste were included under the definition of Medical Waste. These wastes must be handled and disposed of as medical waste according to the requirements of the California Medical Waste Management Act (MWMA), Sections 117690 (3), 117747, and 118222 (b), California Health and Safety Code.
If a pharmaceutical waste is a medical waste, it must be managed according to MWMA requirements. These requirements include the waste being labeled with the words "Incineration Only" and disposed of within one year on a waste tracking document.
The MWMA section 117690 (a), (b)(3) defines pharmaceutical waste as a type of medical waste. It further indicates that it is a pharmaceutical, including chemotherapy waste that is a waste (as defined in HSC 25124). A pharmaceutical waste does not include pharmaceuticals being sent out to a reverse distributor.
What is pharmaceutical waste?
San Diego Medical Waste's, Pharmaceutical Waste Container (typically white and blue in color) offers a reliable and safe solution for disposing of your Non-rcra pharmaceutical waste. Made from a durable, puncture-resistant plastic, this UN3291 container is designed to contain and store a wide variety of pharmaceutical waste products including those that still have the needle attached. It is easy to use and comes with an airtight lid to ensure the safe disposal of hazardous materials. The Pharmaceutical Waste Container is perfect for medical clinics, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. It is available in a variety of sizes to suit your specific needs.
Pro Tip: Pharmaceutical waste container are "single use" containers and are incinerated with its contents as a proper method of disposal.
Typical pharmaceutical waste containers are color coded white and blue and come in the following sizes:
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5 Quart
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2 Gallon
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8 Gallon
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12 Gallon
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18 Gallon
*** Pharmaceutical Waste containers are single use and are expendable to the generator. Pharmaceutical Waste containers may be purchased from San Diego Medical Waste Services separately from your disposal service by visiting https://www.sdmedwaste.com/shop
What is a pharmaceutical waste container?
“Pharmaceutical” means a prescription or over-the-counter human or veterinary drug, including, but not limited to, a drug as defined in Section 109925 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, (21 U.S.C.A. Sec. 321(g)(1)). Pharmaceutical Waste: Any prescription or over-the-counter human or veterinary drug, including, but not limited to:
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Syringes w/residual pharmaceuticals
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Pill Bottles
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Pills
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Dental Ampule
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Medication Vials
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Unused Medications
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Expired Medications
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Dietary Supplements and Vitamins
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Anything with an NDC#
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Acetaminophen (paracetamol): A common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer.
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Ibuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and reducing inflammation.
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Aspirin: A medication used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and preventing heart attacks.
What are some examples of Non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste?
Pharmaceutical waste containers are reserved for those items that are contain any prescription or over-the-counter human or veterinary drug. Proper drug handling and training can help ensure staff are fully aware of what can and cannot be disposed of in a sharps container.
Things that should not be thrown in a pharmaceutical waste container include:
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RCRA Hazardous Pharmaceutical waste is waste that exhibits a characteristic such as (ignitability, corrosivity, ractivity, or toxicity).
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Untreated controlled substances
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Tape, paper, bandages/gauze, exam gloves, alcohol preps (These items go into a biohazard waste container)
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Aerosols or inhalers (These items are typically hazardous or "RCRA" Waste and go into a hazardous waste container
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Garbage or liquids of any kind
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Batteries of any type
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Hazardous, chemical, radioactive or red bag waste (non-sharps regulated medical waste)
What should NOT go into a Non-RCRA pharmaceutical waste container?
FAQ About Our Biohazard Waste Disposal Services
YES! Sharps containers are single use and are expendable to the generator. Sharps containers may be purchased from San Diego Medical Waste Services separately from your disposal service by visiting
https://www.sdmedwaste.com/shopThe medical waste container labeling, SEC. 68.1205, was enacted in 1989 as a response to medical wastes that were found dumped in County landfills. Proper labeling must include: generator’s name, address and phone number as well as the date of first use.
NO PHARMACEUTICALS can be placed inside of this container. All pharmaceuticals must be placed into a pharmaceutical waste container at point of generation (in patient room). Once ready for disposal, place the pharmaceutical waste containers next to (NOT INSIDE OF) the regulated medical waste (RMW) container to be picked up during your scheduled service day. Please note, THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE:
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RCRA Pharmaceuticals
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Controlled Substances
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Chemicals
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Monday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Our Hours
Mesa, AZ
Locate Us
480-716-9099
Contact Us
Have Questions? Feel free to reach out!
Medical Waste Containers 101
Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) Containers
In compliance with the Health and Safety Code Sections 17600 - 118360. Containers shall comply with United States Department of Transportation requirements when prepared for transport offsite from the facility.
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NO Loose Sharps can be placed inside of this container. (Use a sharps container)
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NO PHARMACEUTICALS can be placed inside of this container
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Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) Containers Dimension:
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18 Gallon: 16"H x 19″W x 19″D *TW@8lb
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28 Gallon: 22"H x 19″W x 19″D *TW@9.6lb
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38 Gallon: 33"H x 19″W x 19″D *TW@11lb
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10 Gallon: 16"H x 20″W x 12.5″D *TW@11lb
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17 Gallon: 26"H x 20″W x 12.5″D *TW@11lb
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Designated Accumulation Area
Primary Biohazard Waste Container (Bedside)
In compliance with the Health and Safety Code Sections 17600 - 118360. Containers shall comply with United States Department of Transportation requirements when prepared for transport offsite from the facility.
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Medical waste may be placed into a biohazard bag not to exceed three pounds or one gallon
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Tied, as required, in a patient room and shall be immediately transported upon completion of the procedure directly from the point of generation and placed into a Regulated Medical Waste RMW Container
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NO Loose Sharps can be placed inside of this container. (Use a sharps container)
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NO PHARMACEUTICALS can be placed inside of this container
Interim Storage Area
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Primary Sharps Waste Container (Bedside)
“Sharps container” means a rigid puncture-resistant container used in patient care or research activities meeting the standards of, and receiving approval from, the United States Food and Drug Administration as a medical device used for the collection of discarded medical needles or other sharps.
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Sharps containers are single use and are expendable to the generator. Sharps containers may be purchased from San Diego Medical Waste Services separately from your disposal service by visiting https://www.sdmedwaste.com/shop
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NO PHARMACEUTICALS can be placed inside of this container
Primary Sharps Waste Container
Primary Pharmaceutical Waste Container (Bedside)
Pharmaceutical waste should be incinerated or treated using approved methods. Charcoal-based products aren't approved, so use a pharmaceutical waste container for disposal. Don't mix pharmaceuticals with these products in solid waste, biohazard, or sharps containers.
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All Pharmaceuticals Must Be Placed Into A Pharmaceutical Waste Container At Point Of Generation.
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Loose Sharps can be placed inside of this container. (Used a sharps container)
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Once Ready For Disposal, Place Pharmaceutical Waste Containers Next To (NOT INSIDE OF) The Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) Container To Be Picked Up During Your Scheduled Service Day.
Interim Storage Area
Scheduled Service Frequencies
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Weekly (Every 1-Week)
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Bi-Weekly (Every 2-Week)
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Monthly (Every 4-Week)
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Bi-Monthly (Every 8-Weeks)
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Quarterly (Every-12Weeks)
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Will Call (As Requested)
We understand that your sharps disposal needs are unique, which is why we offer flexible service schedules tailored to your organization's requirements. You can choose from any of the following secure electronics recycling frequencies:
