Depends on your state. Our state (NC) not only allows, but encourages, disposal of medical wastes in the regular trash (but the waste still has to be in the OSHA-required labeled bag or sharps container).  This was a big shock to me.  Apparently, a lot of states are now DISCOURAGING incineration of normal biohazardous/medical wastes b/c of the air pollution from incineration.  They are also discouraging use of the biohazard red bags as they often contain lead.

Thanks Jay, you bring up another interesting question. If we collect the syringes with needles in a sharps container, and they contain no biohazard and are empty, can we then throw the sharps container in the regular trash?

Ma rk:& nbsp; From my perspective here in Colorado, if it doesn't contain anything infectious, i.e., "non-regulated", that can be taken out of the equation entirely.  If it contained a RCRA waste, (but not a "P-waste"), and it's RCRA empty, and no needle, regular solid waste is fine.  If it has a needle, definitely a sharps container, but this gets tricky with RCRA stuff.  It is most likely that the company that takes the regulated waste, probably isn't licensed to handle a RCRA waste.

Jay Skarda
Director of Safety & Security
National Jewish Health

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Williams, Mark
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 10:07 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Syringe Disposal

Hi All,

We use syringes to deliver solvents. Some of the syringes have needles, some do not. None contain any biohazardous substance, but the solvents would be hazardous waste if disposed of.

*For syringes without needles, if they are empty when disposed of, can we consider each syringe to be a RCRA empty container and throw them in the regular trash?

*What about empty, non-biohazardous syringes with needles?

I have done a little searching on this issue, but have not come up with definitive guidance.

Thank you

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of DCHAS-L automatic digest system
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 12:01 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: DCHAS-L Digest - 13 Jun 2010 to 14 Jun 2010 (#2010-144)

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