Learn what Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) is, how sharps and biohazard waste are defined by OSHA and the DOT, and how to handle them safely and in compliance with regulations.
While the exact definition of RMW can vary by state, federal agencies like OSHA and the DOT provide broad classifications, which states often refine with more specific lists. RMW is also commonly called infectious waste or biohazardous waste.
Federal Definition Key Sources
At the federal level, OSHA and DOT outline what qualifies as regulated medical waste, setting standards for safe handling, packaging, and transport. These definitions form the foundation for compliance across states and facilities.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 – Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
This rule explains how employers must protect workers from exposure to blood and infectious materials, including proper handling and disposal of regulated medical waste. Regulated waste includes:Liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
Contaminated items that would release blood or OPIM in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed
Items caked with dried blood or OPIM that could release these materials during handling
Contaminated sharps
Pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or OPIM
DOT 49 CFR Parts 171–173
These materials are classified as Category B Infectious Substances (UN 3291) when transported and require special packaging and labeling.
Types of Regulated Medical Waste
Regulated medical waste is primarily divided into two categories, sharps waste and biohazardous waste. Both pose unique risks and must be handled, stored, and disposed of according to strict OSHA, DOT, and state regulations to ensure safety and compliance.
Sharps Waste
Sharps are objects capable of puncturing or cutting the skin, and when contaminated, they are classified as regulated medical waste and include the following examples.
Used needles
Syringes with needles attached
Lancets
Scalpel blades
Broken glass vials contaminated with blood or bodily fluids
Suture needles and other surgical sharps
Stated below are the key compliance considerations for sharps waste disposal.
Sharps must be disposed of in rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps containers.
Containers with sharps must be labeled with the biohazard symbol or marked according to DOT and OSHA requirements.
Disposal of sharps via mail-back systems (e.g., PureWay) or pickup services must comply with USPS Publication 52 (if mailed) and DOT regulations.
Biohazardous Waste Non-sharps RMW
Biohazardous waste is any non-sharp material contaminated with potentially infectious agents, and includes the following.Blood-soaked bandages
Surgical gloves and gowns contaminated with blood or OPIM
Cultures and stocks from laboratories
Pathological waste (e.g., human tissues, organs)
Body fluids are visibly contaminated with blood.
Stated below are the key compliance considerations for biohazardous waste disposal
Biohazardous waste must be disposed of in leak-proof, labeled red bags and then secondary containment (e.g., boxes or tubs) for transport.
Biohazardous waste must follow OSHA, DOT, and state-specific handling, storage, and transportation regulations.
Differences Between Sharps and Biohazardous Waste
Proper handling of regulated medical waste (RMW) is important to keep people safe and follow regulations. Sharps, such as needles, and biohazardous waste, like blood-soaked gloves, are both types of RMW, but they differ in several ways:
Appearance and Type
Sharps
Needles, syringes, lancets, and other items that can puncture or cut.Biohazardous Waste
Items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), such as gloves, gowns, dressings, or cultures.
Storage
Sharps
Must be stored in puncture resistant, leak proof containers.
Biohazardous Waste
Stored in leak resistant, color-coded bags (usually red) or containers.
Transport
Sharps
Requires special containers that meet DOT standards (UN 3291).
Biohazardous Waste
Requires sealed, labeled bags or containers, often managed via contract pickup or mail-back programs.
Disposal
Sharps
Incinerated or treated through approved sharps disposal programs.
Biohazardous Waste
Treated by autoclaving, chemical disinfection, or incineration, depending on type and local regulations.
Sharps Waste
Sharps waste includes items that can puncture or cut the skin. Because of their high risk for injury and contamination, sharps require specialized handling and disposal.
Definition
Items that can puncture skin and are contaminated with blood or OPIM.
Examples
Needles
Syringes
Scalpels
Broken and contaminated glass
Container Type
Rigid, puncture-proof sharps containers
Transport Class
UN3291 – Infectious Substance, Category B
Disposal Method
Incineration
Autoclaving
Biohazardous Waste
Biohazardous waste includes non-sharp items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). These materials must be handled carefully to prevent contamination and exposure.
Definition
Contaminated non-sharp items with blood or OPIM.
Examples
Blood-soaked dressings
Gloves
Suction canisters
Container Type
Leak-proof red biohazard bags
Transport Class
UN3291 – Infectious Substance, Category B
Disposal Method
Incineration
Autoclaving
State -approved treatment
Compliance Support via PureWay
PureWay provides comprehensive solutions to help facilities manage regulated medical waste safely and in compliance with federal and state requirements. The following offers are available.
Mail-back sharps and RMW systems are fully compliant with USPS UN3291 and DOT.
Pickup services for larger generators.
Sharps containers, red bags, secondary containment, and labeling materials.
Training programs to help facilities comply with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Access to state-specific waste definitions and regulations in the PureWay State Compliance Map.