Medical Waste FAQs

We’ve listed below some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to medical waste and our medical waste disposal services. Of course this is by no means a comprehensive list, so if you have a question you don’t see here; please feel free to call us at 866-240-5077 or use our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.

What is medical waste?

Broadly defined, medical waste is anything that has come in contact with human bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, mucous and semen. These items could possibly be infectious, and so they cannot go out with the regular trash. Anything sharp, like a needle or IV catheter, goes into a red, specially labeled, hard plastic container. Other items such as swaps, tongue depressors, syringes without needles, etc. go into a red biohazard bag in a specially marked disposal bin. The red color and markings let other office employees and janitorial staff know that these bags and containers are not supposed to go out with the regular trash.

What is medical waste removal?

Medical waste removal is the step between the generation of medical waste and destruction of medical waste. Under law, medical waste removal must be done by a licensed and trained professional, such as BioMedical Recovery Systems. This is to ensure the safety of everyone. We remove all of the sharps containers and red biohazard backs and transport them for compliant biohazard waste disposal.

How much does medical waste disposal cost?

There is no simple answer to this question. The cost of your medical waste disposal will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The location of your facility
• The size of your facility
• How much medical waste you generate on an average day
• Whether you want to bundle services (You can save money this way.)

The easiest way to get a cost estimate is to contact us for a free, no obligation quote.

Do I have to sign a contract with BioMedical Recovery Systems?

Yes, we require all customers to sign a contract. This protects both of us, as it lays out the exact terms of our agreement.

What if I’m already under contract, but I want to switch providers?

You will need to review the terms of your current contract. Most contracts have a section dealing with termination of the agreement. You may have to provide advance notice. We can provide you with a seamless transition in medical waste disposal services.

Where are you located?

BioMedical Recovery Systems is located in Forest Hill, Maryland. We serve all of Maryland, Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia facilities.

Do you supply the sharps containers, biohazard waste bags and boxes?

In general, yes. We can go over specifics when we draw up your contract.

Do you handle medication disposal / pharmaceuticals disposal?

Yes. We provide a full range of medication disposal services. This can include disposal of partially used pharmaceuticals, expired medications, medications with damaged packaging, etc.

Do you provide us with a record of medical waste destruction?

Yes. Once your medical waste is destroyed at the incinerator, you will get a completed manifest verifying its destruction.