⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
This guide provides general information on veterinary waste compliance and disposal practices in the United States.
Regulations vary by state and local jurisdiction.
Veterinarians and clinic administrators should consult their state environmental, health, and pharmacy boards for location-specific requirements.
This document does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting appropriate regulatory authorities or legal counsel.
Always verify compliance requirements with your state and local agencies.
PureWay Compliance, Inc. offers tools, training, and services to help facilities align with federal and many state-level regulations, but final responsibility for compliance remains with the generator of the waste.
🛑 1. Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) Requirements for Veterinarians
✅ What Is Regulated Medical Waste?
Used sharps (needles, syringes, scalpels)
Animal tissues or body parts contaminated with infectious material
Items saturated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
📜 Key Regulatory Bodies:
OSHA – Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
EPA and DOT – Packaging and transportation requirements
State health/environmental agencies
🧰 How PureWay Helps:
Mail-back Sharps Disposal Systems – Prepaid USPS systems compliant with DOT (UN3291) – FDA-cleared containers with return shipping included
Pickup Services – For bulk medical waste or high-volume facilities
Sharps and Red Bag Containers – Puncture-resistant, properly labeled, OSHA-compliant
OSHA Training – Bloodborne Pathogens and Exposure Control Plan training for veterinary staff
🔗 Useful links:
📌 Shop RMW Systems.
💊 2. Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal
✅ What Is Pharmaceutical Waste?
Expired or unused medications
Hazardous pharmaceuticals (e.g., chemotherapy agents)
DEA-controlled substances (e.g., euthanasia drugs, opioids)
📜 Key Regulatory Bodies:
DEA – Controlled substances (21 CFR Part 1300+)
EPA – Hazardous pharmaceuticals (RCRA Subpart P)
State pharmacy boards
🧰 How PureWay Helps:
Pharmaceutical Waste Mail-Back Systems – For non-hazardous, non-controlled drugs
Hazardous Waste Solutions – Pickup or profiling support for RCRA-listed drugs
Controlled Substance Disposal – In-office neutralization kits (DEA-compliant) – Lockable drug disposal kiosks
🔗 Useful links:
📘 Recommended Blog: "How to Dispose of Pharmaceuticals in a Veterinary Clinic"
☣️ 3. Hazardous Waste Disposal
✅ Common Hazardous Wastes in Vet Clinics:
Chemotherapy drugs
X-ray chemicals (fixer, developer)
Solvents, aerosols, or certain disinfectants
Batteries and mercury-containing equipment
📜 Regulatory Authorities:
EPA (RCRA)
DOT
State hazardous waste agencies
🧰 How PureWay Helps:
Hazardous Waste Pickup Services – For listed or characteristic hazardous waste – Includes documentation and cradle-to-grave tracking
Universal Waste Mail-Back – For batteries, bulbs, and electronics
🔗 Useful links:
📘 Recommended Blog: "Hazardous Waste in Veterinary Practices – Are You at Risk?"
🧑🏫 4. OSHA Training & Safety Compliance
✅ Key Training Requirements:
Bloodborne Pathogens
Hazard Communication (HazCom)
Sharps Injury Prevention and PPE
🧰 PureWay Training Tools:
Online, self-paced OSHA training for staff
Exposure Control Plan templates
Certificate tracking and retraining reminders
🔗 Useful links:
📦 PureWay Product Categories for Veterinary Compliance
Category | Examples |
Sharps Disposal | Mail-back kits, containers, pickup service |
Medical Waste Disposal | Red bag mailers, DOT containers, transport manifests |
Pharmaceutical Waste | Non-hazardous and hazardous drug disposal systems |
Controlled Substances | DEA-compliant destruction kits and kiosks |
OSHA Compliance Training | BBP, HazCom, exposure plans, training tracking |
Hazardous Waste | Pickup for chemical, chemo, and solvent waste |
Universal Waste | Bulb, battery, and electronic mail-back solutions |
🗺️ State-Specific Regulations
PureWay provides a state-by-state regulatory map to help you understand local requirements for:
Sharps disposal
Regulated medical waste
Pharmaceutical waste
DEA compliance
🔗 Useful links:
⚠️ FINAL DISCLAIMER:
The information in this guide is for general educational purposes only.
Regulatory requirements for waste disposal vary by state and locality.
Veterinary facilities must consult with appropriate state, local, and federal agencies to ensure full compliance.
This guide is not legal advice and does not guarantee regulatory compliance.
PureWay Compliance, Inc. is not responsible for actions taken based on the information provided herein.