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What Can Go Inside a Sharps Mail-Back Container?

Understand what can and cannot go inside a sharps container mail back system.

Updated over 2 months ago

However, strict federal regulations govern what can and cannot be placed inside these containers.

Below is a guide to approved contents, prohibited items, and regulatory references to ensure safe, legal use of your mail-back system.


✅ Acceptable Items for Sharps Mail-Back Containers

Under DOT (49 CFR) and USPS (Publication 52, Section 346.240) guidelines for materials classified as UN3291 – Regulated Medical Waste, the following items are allowed:

1. Sharps Waste

  • Used hypodermic needles

  • Syringes (with or without attached needles)

  • Lancets

  • Scalpels and razor blades

  • Infusion sets and IV needles

  • Broken glass vials containing or formerly containing biohazardous material

All sharps must be non-radioactive, non-hazardous, and not chemically contaminated beyond trace levels.

2. Other Small Biohazardous Waste (Limited)

  • Small gauze pads, swabs, or bandages only if visibly contaminated with blood

  • Small volumes of items saturated with OPIM (other potentially infectious materials)

These items are acceptable only if they accompany sharps and do not compromise container integrity, weight limits, or liquid content thresholds.


🚫 Prohibited Items

Do NOT place the following inside sharps mail-back containers. Doing so may violate USPS, DOT, or OSHA regulations and result in fines or rejected shipments.

  • Medications (prescription or over-the-counter)

  • Hazardous waste pharmaceuticals (RCRA-listed or characteristic)

  • Controlled substances (DEA Schedule I-V)

  • Liquid blood or OPIM exceeding 50 mL

  • Radioactive materials (e.g., from cancer treatments)

  • Chemotherapy waste

  • Compressed gas cylinders or pressurized containers

  • Batteries or electronic devices

  • Household trash, food, or general garbage


📦 Mail-Back Container Requirements

To comply with USPS and DOT regulations, the sharps mail-back system you use must:

  • Be pre-approved by USPS under Publication 52

  • Meet 49 CFR 173.197 for packaging of regulated medical waste

  • Include rigid, puncture-resistant primary containers

  • Use absorbent material in case of leakage

  • Be clearly marked with:

    • UN3291 marking

    • Proper shipping name: "Regulated Medical Waste, n.o.s."

    • Biohazard symbol

  • Include prepaid return shipping and manifesting/tracking documents

PureWay’s mail-back systems are pre-approved and come with all required compliance features, making them safe, simple, and lawful.


🧾 Need Help?

PureWay offers a complete line of sharps mail-back systems for:

  • Individuals (home injectors, diabetics)

  • Small medical offices and clinics

  • Veterinary and dental practices

  • Pharmacies and retail health centers

We also provide:


📌 Summary

Item

Allowed in Sharps Mail-Back?

Used needles, lancets

✅ Yes

Syringes (with/without needles)

✅ Yes

Medication vials

❌ No

Blood-soaked gauze

✅ If limited

Controlled substances

❌ No

Chemotherapy waste

❌ No

Batteries, trash

❌ No


Questions? Contact PureWay

Our compliance experts are available to help you choose the right system and ensure your facility remains fully compliant.
🔗 www.pureway.com
📞 877-765-3030
✉️support@pureway.com

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