There are weight limits outlined by the USPS Domestic Mail Manual, which is the main carrier used to transport sharps and medical waste.
Regular sharps disposal by mail systems' weight limits are up to 25 lbs if the container size is three gallons or less.
For larger systems 5 gallon, 8 gallon and 18 gallon, these systems are called Medical Professional Collection Bin Systems and can hold up to 35lbs but have ristrictions such as loose sharps must be in a secondary sharps container and placed into the collection bin system.
📦 USPS UN3291 Mail-Back Program – Updated Weight Limits & Compliance Summary
🧾 Regulatory Foundation
UN3291: Classification for Regulated Medical Waste, n.o.s., including sharps and biohazardous materials.
USPS Publication 52 and the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM 601.10.17) govern mailing of these substances.
DOT 49 CFR 173.197 governs packaging performance and design for RMW.
📊 Weight Limits for Regulated Medical Waste Packages (USPS UN3291)
System Type | Container Size | Max Weight Limit | Carrier | Notes |
Consumer Sharps Mail-Back Systems | 1.4 qt – 1 gal | ~2–6 lbs | USPS | Intended for individuals or households |
Medical Professional 2 & 3 Gallon Kits | 2 gal – 3 gal | ~25 lbs | USPS | For clinics/dental offices, must not exceed final system weight specs |
5, 8, 18 Gallon Systems Medical Professional Collection Bin System | 5g, 8g, 18 gal | 35 lbs | USPS | Complies with standard USPS packaging limits. No loose sharps. |
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🏷️ Medical Professional Packaging and UN3291
📦 Medical Professional Packages
These systems are designated for higher-volume generators such as clinics, dental offices, surgical centers, and urgent care.
They are authorized for up to 35 pounds total weight, under USPS DMM provisions and USPS-authorized packaging programs.
🚫 Note on Authorization
Vendors must be authorized by the USPS to offer 35-pound systems for mailing.
Authorization requires:
Testing by an independent lab per 49 CFR 173.197.
Submittal of test results to USPS for container/system approval.
Use of DOT performance-tested outer packaging, rigid, leakproof, and puncture-resistant.
🧪 Additional USPS Mailing Requirements
Requirement | Details |
Packaging | Must include absorbents, double containment, and be DOT RMW compliant |
Labeling | "REGULATED MEDICAL WASTE, UN3291" + biohazard symbol + proper orientation |
Sealing | Tamper-proof and leakproof closure; liner bags must be secured |
Manifest/Documentation | Cradle-to-grave tracking required; vendors typically provide prefilled forms |
Carrier Restriction | Must use Parcel Select Return Service or other USPS-approved method |
✅ PureWay’s Role and Compliance
PureWay’s Medical Professional Collection Bin Systems:
Include 35-pound rated options.
Are fully authorized under USPS and DOT regulations.
Come with:
Prepaid shipping boxes and return labels.
Certified outer packaging.
OSHA-compliant training and documentation.
For more information or to explore systems by state check the following:
📌 Summary Table
Component | Specification |
UN Code | UN3291 – Regulated Medical Waste, n.o.s. |
Max USPS Package Weight | 35 lbs (authorized packages only) |
Authorization Required | Yes – container system must be USPS-approved |
Testing Requirement | Yes – 3rd-party lab testing under DOT standards |
Labeling | UN3291, biohazard symbol, orientation arrows |
PureWay Compliance | Yes – all systems tested, certified, and approved |