Ask the Expert—Syringes as medical waste

By: David LaHoda February 9th, 2009

Q: For an uncontaminated syringe used only to flush an IV line, may we dispose as regular solid waste?

A: OSHA says you may, but it does not have oversight responsibility for state waste regulations. First check here for the definition of sharps and regulated medical waste for your state. Each state has its own definition of regulated medical waste. Some may define an uncontaminated syringe as solid waste. Other states, however, may define an uncontaminated syringe as disposable only as regulated medical regulated waste.

To be absolutely sure, check with your regulated medical waste contractor. That’s what you are paying them for. You want to make sure that they are on the same page with the regulations and that they will accept your segregating of waste according to the letter of the law.

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David LaHoda



David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.

David has written 196 posts.

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