Skip to main content

Determine The Right Waste Type and Disposal Service for Generators

Updated yesterday

Learn how waste generators can identify waste types, assess volume, and choose compliant Mail-Back or Pickup disposal services with this guide.

Guide to Waste Identification and Disposal Services.

This guide walks generators through four key steps, identifying waste types, assessing site risks, estimating volumes, and selecting the right disposal method.

  1. Waste Identification
    Proper waste identification is the foundation of compliance. It ensures that hazardous, pharmaceutical, medical, and other waste streams are separated correctly, reducing risks to health, safety, and the environment. Correct classification also helps determine the appropriate disposal method and service provider.

    Identify what kind of waste is being generated. The most common regulated waste types include:

    • Medical and Regulated Waste

      • Examples:

        • Sharps

        • Red bag waste

        • Cultures

      • Key Regulations:

        • OSHA 1910.1030, DOT, state health departments.

    • Pharmaceutical Waste

      • Examples:

        • Expired medications

        • Chemotherapy agents

      • Key Regulations:

        • DEA, EPA Subpart P, RCRA.

    • Hazardous Waste

      • Examples:

        • Solvents

        • Corrosives

        • Ignitable substances

      • Key Regulations:

        • EPA (RCRA), DOT.

    • Universal Waste

      • Examples:

        • Batteries

        • Lamps

        • Mercury devices

      • Key Regulations:

        • EPA Universal Waste Rule.

    • Household Hazardous Waste

      • Examples:

        • Paints

        • Cleaners

        • Aerosols

      • Key Regulations:

        • local solid waste authority rules.

  2. Determine If the Waste is Regulated
    Use the EPA hazardous waste determination process (40 CFR 262.11) or relevant medical waste rules to classify:
    ​

    • Is the waste infectious, hazardous, pharmaceutical, or sharps?

    • Is it regulated by OSHA, RCRA, DEA, or state/local authorities?

    PureWay offers tools such as waste stream analysis and regulatory consultation to help with this step.

  3. Site Risk Assessment
    Evaluate the risks associated with waste generation:
    ​

    • Is the waste generated by employees, patients, or residents?

    • Are workers at risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure?
      If yes, OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies.

    • Are pharmaceutical controls or drug diversion risks present?
      DEA compliance may be required, especially for controlled substances.

    • Does the site lack regular waste pickups?
      Consider storage safety, spill potential, and volume overflow risks.

    PureWay provides onsite compliance evaluations to assist with exposure control and service planning.

  4. Volume Assumptions and Waste Generation Frequency

    Understanding the quantity and frequency of waste generation helps narrow down the service type.
    ​

    • Low Volume Generators
      ​Examples: small clinics, dentists, tattoo studios, home healthcare
      ​Typical Output: less than 50 lbs of regulated waste per month

    • Medium and High Volume Generators
      ​Examples: hospitals, nursing homes, large labs, veterinary clinics
      ​Typical Output: waste generated daily or weekly, often across multiple waste streams
      ​

    Document:

    • Types and quantities of each waste stream

    • Frequency of generation (daily, weekly, monthly)

    Use this information to calculate storage capacity needs, container sizes, and service intervals.

  5. Select a Waste Disposal Method
    ​

    Option A: Mail Back Service
    Best for low volume, remote, or small generators. Simply package your waste in the provided container and ship it back for safe recycling and treatment.
    ​

    Advantages:

    • Fully compliant, pre-labeled systems (UN3291 for medical waste)

    • No DOT registration or manifesting required by the generator

    • No minimum pickup volume or contract

    • Convenient for home health, small clinics, and residential sharps users
      ​

    PureWay’s Mail Back Benefits:

    • Systems for sharps, red bag waste, pharmaceuticals, and DEA controlled substances

    • Prepaid return shipping via USPS

    • Includes waste tracking documentation and manifests

    • OSHA compliant sharps containers

    Option B: Contracted Hauler Pickup Service
    Best for high volume, complex waste streams, or facilities requiring frequent service.
    ​

    Advantages:

    • Scalable for large volumes

    • Can handle multiple waste types under one provider

    • Often includes manifests, container supply, and documentation support

    PureWay’s Pickup Service Benefits:

    • Scheduled pickups for regulated medical waste, hazardous waste, and universal waste

    • Full service documentation and compliance management

    • Custom service frequencies and staff training options

    • Supports RCRA and Subpart P compliance

​

Note:

  • PureWay offers tools such as waste stream analysis and regulatory consultation to assist with proper classification.

  • Provides onsite compliance evaluations to support exposure control and service planning.

  • Use these insights to calculate storage capacity needs, container sizes, and service intervals.

Summary: Key Considerations

When choosing between PureWay’s Mail-Back Service and Contracted Pickup Service, it’s important to consider your facility’s volume, frequency of waste generation, location, waste types, and regulatory requirements. The list below highlights the key differences to help you determine the best fit for your needs.

  • Criteria

    • Volume

    • Frequency

    • Location

    • Waste Types

    • Regulatory Simplicity

  • Mail-Back

    • Low

    • Infrequent

    • Remote, residential, or small site

    • Sharps, small RMW, non-controlled meds

    • High

  • Contracted Pick-up

    • Medium to High

    • Regular

    • Commercial, large facilities

    • All types, including bulk and hazardous

    • Requires more oversight (DOT, manifests)

Important Note:

  • Ensure all staff are trained in OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard if handling RMW.

  • Controlled substances must be handled per DEA destruction rules.

  • EPA generator status (e.g., CESQG, SQG, LQG) influences hazardous waste options.

For a state-specific compliance guide, visit PureWay’s interactive map.

Related Articles
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Waste Acceptance Policy
Pharmaceutical Disposal Guidelines in California
Dental Waste Compliance Guide
Veterinary Waste Compliance Guide
Did this answer your question?