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Waste Acceptance Policy

Updated this week

PureWay Acceptance Policy outlines the types of waste accepted by PureWay Compliance Inc., and the proper methods of packaging, segregation, and service designation. This policy is binding upon all clients and is incorporated into all active service agreements.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure regulatory compliance, protect personnel, and limit liability for both PureWay and the clients.


Generator Responsibility and Liability

The Generator is solely and fully responsible for the proper identification, classification, characterization, segregation, and packaging of all waste prior to collection or shipment through any PureWay services. It includes determining whether the waste are:

  • Hazardous

  • Regulated

  • Controlled or non-controlled conforming under any applicable federal, state, or local regulation.

PureWay reserves the right to reject, return or surcharge any waste that does not meet this policy or regulatory standards. Generator retains title and liability for non-conforming waste at all times, even if discovered after collection of shipment.

Note: PureWay does not assume responsibility for the following:

  • Generator misclassification or misidentification of waste.

  • Improper packaging of labelling by the Generator.

  • Violation arising from the Generator's failure to comply with DOT, EPA, OSHA, DEA, or USPS regulations.

  • Acceptance or transportation of non-confirming or prohibited waste due to generator error.


Acceptable Waste by Service Type

There are different types of waste and their service types. Here are the following acceptable waste types based on the type of service.

Regulated Medical Waste (RMW)

This waste is being accepted in PureWay RMW Mail-Back Systems and pickup containers that are being marked with the UN3291 BioHazard Symbol. This waste includes the following:

  • Sharps (in rigid, puncture-resistant containers)

  • Blood-soaked materials such as soaked gauze, saturated PPE.

  • Culture dishes, petri plates, and devices used to contain infectious agents.

  • IV bags and tubing with blood or OPIM.

  • Isolation waste

  • Disposable surgical instruments.

  • Dialysis waste.

Note: Regulated Medical Waste excludes radioactive, hazardous, or chemical waste.


Sharps Disposal

This waste is being accepted in the Sharps Disposal by Mail Containers that include the following:

  • Needles

  • Syringes with or without residual medication.

  • Lancets, scalpels, pipettes.

  • Broken glass contaminated with blood or OPIM.

Note:

  • All sharps must be placed directly into the sharps container.

  • Do not overfill containers.

  • Containers must be securely closed before return.


Non-Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste

This waste is designated a facility to pick up the containers, which are being accepted in non-hazardous pharmaceutical mail-back containers. Non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste includes the following:

  • Expired or unused non-controlled substances.

  • Non-hazardous medications.

  • Tablets, capsules, or ointments without hazardous or DEA scheduling.

Note: Non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste excludes controlled substances and RCRA hazardous drugs.


Hazardous Waste and RCRA Pharmaceutical Waste

Hazardous Waste and RCRA Pharmaceutical Waste are being accepted in PureWay Hazardous Waste Services which is must be separately contracted. This waste includes the following:

  • RCRA-listed pharmaceuticals

  • P-, U-, or D-listed chemicals

  • Chemotherapy bulk waste

  • Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, Solvents

  • Batteries, Mercury Devices, Aerosol Cans

  • Compressed Gas Cylinders.


Unacceptable or Prohibited Wastes (All Services)

Here at PureWay, we do not accept the following waste under any services.

  • Infectious Waste (Category A)
    This type of waste is capable of causing fatal diseases upon exposure (e.g., Ebola)

  • Human Remains or Fetuses

    This includes full torso, limbs, and any other fetal materials.

  • Radioactive Waste

    This waste is any items that exceed EPA radiation limits.

  • Controlled Substances
    Waste are labelled on DEA Schedule I-V drugs, unless by DEA-approved collection program.

  • Mercury Dental Waste
    These wastes are contact or non-contact amalgam, chairside traps, and vacuum filters.

  • Loose Liquids or Leaking Containers

    Waste inside the containers contains liquids and is leaking outside the containers.

  • Improperly Packaged or Unlabeled Waste
    This waste is not being securely sealed or lacks proper labeling, creating safety and compliance risks.

  • Overfilled or Overweight Containers (>50lbs)
    These containers that exceed capacity or weight limits increase the risk of spills, leaks, or handling hazards.


Packaging, Labelling and Storage Requirements

All products must have proper packaging and correct labelling and meet the storage requirements. Here are the following requirements for each product.

  • Sharps
    As for the sharps products, they must be rigid, puncture-resistant, and sealed properly with a label of a biohazard symbol.

  • Regular Medical Waste Bags
    These RMW Bags must have red biohazard bags that is tied when 3/4 full. Also, they must be placed in DOT-approved boxes.

  • Boxes

    Boxes must have secured bottoms and tops with tape when it is full. It must have a label with UN3291 and a biohazard symbol.

  • Hazardous Waste
    For hazardous waste, you must use black PGII UN-rated containers that have a clear label per content.

  • Storage
    Storage containers must be kept in a secure area until pickup or return shipment.

Note: All packaging must comply with DOT (49 CFR 173.197) and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

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