Running a veterinary clinic involves managing many types of waste, including used needles, expired medications, chemotherapy drugs, chemicals, and more. In addition, clinics must comply with rules from state and federal agencies. This guide simplifies the process by explaining the essentials and showing how PureWay can help with safe disposal, staff training, and compliance tools.
Veterinary Waste Compliance Essentials
Veterinary clinics generate many types of waste, each with its own rules for safe handling and disposal. From sharps and medical waste to expired drugs, hazardous chemicals, and staff safety training, understanding these requirements is key to staying compliant. The sections below outline the main waste categories and show how PureWay helps veterinary practices manage them responsibly and cost-effectively.
Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) Requirements for Veterinarians
Vet clinics deal with waste like used needles, animal tissues, and items soaked with blood. Since these can spread germs and infections, they need to be handled and thrown away in special, safe ways that follow the rules.What Is Regulated Medical Waste?
Used sharps (needles, syringes, scalpels).
Animal tissues or body parts contaminated with infectious material.
Items saturated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
Key Regulatory Bodies:
OSHA
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).EPA and DOT
Packaging and transportation requirements.State health and environmental agencies.
How PureWay Helps:
Mail-back Sharps Disposal Systems
Prepaid USPS systems compliant with DOT (UN3291) – FDA-cleared containers with return shipping included.Pickup Services
For bulk medical waste or high-volume facilities.Sharps and Red Bag Containers
Puncture-resistant, properly labeled, OSHA-compliant.OSHA Training
Bloodborne Pathogens and Exposure Control Plan training for veterinary staff.
Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal
Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals can put staff, pets, and the environment at risk. Veterinary practices must follow clear rules for handling and discarding medications, especially hazardous and controlled substances.What Is Pharmaceutical Waste?
Expired or unused medications.
Hazardous pharmaceuticals (e.g., chemotherapy agents).
DEA-controlled substances (e.g., euthanasia drugs, opioids).
Key Regulatory Bodies:
DEA
Controlled substances 21 CFR Part 1300 plus.EPA
Hazardous pharmaceuticals RCRA Subpart P.State pharmacy boards.
How PureWay Helps:
Pharmaceutical Waste Mail-Back Systems
Simple prepaid boxes to safely send back non-hazardous, non-controlled medications.Hazardous Waste Solutions
Pickup or profiling support for RCRA-listed drugs.Controlled Substance Disposal
Options like in-office kits to neutralize drugs or secure kiosks for locking up and destroying controlled substances.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Chemicals and hazardous materials used in vet clinics can harm staff, animals, and the environment if disposed of improperly. Safe handling and disposal are critical.
Common Hazardous Wastes in Vet Clinics:
Chemotherapy drugs.
X-ray chemicals.
Fixer
Developer
Solvents, aerosols, or certain disinfectants.
Batteries and mercury-containing equipment.
Regulatory Authorities:
EPA RCRA
DOT
State hazardous waste agencies.
How PureWay Helps:
Hazardous Waste Pickup Services
Can come to your clinic and collect hazardous waste like chemo drugs, chemicals, and solvents. They also provide all the paperwork so you’re covered from start to finish.Universal Waste Mail-Back
For smaller items like batteries, light bulbs, and electronics, PureWay gives you prepaid boxes so you can mail them back safely and easily.
OSHA Training and Safety Compliance
Workplace safety in veterinary clinics goes beyond handling animals. OSHA requires training on sharps safety, PPE use, and chemical hazards to protect staff and ensure compliance.Key Training Requirements:
Bloodborne Pathogens
Hazard Communication (HazCom)
Sharps Injury Prevention and PPE
PureWay Training Tools:
Easy online OSHA training courses staff can take anytime.
Ready-to-use safety plan templates for your clinic.
Tools to track certificates and reminders when it’s time for refresher training.
Note:
Here are some helpful resources to make it easier for your clinic to stay compliant and manage waste safely:
Regulated Medical Waste (RMW)
Pharmaceutical Waste
Hazardous Waste Services
Training
PureWay Product Categories for Veterinary Compliance
To make compliance easier, PureWay offers a full range of products and services designed for veterinary clinics. From sharps and medical waste disposal to OSHA training and controlled substance management, these solutions help keep your practice safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible. The list below outlines each product category along with examples of the solutions available.
Sharps Disposal
Examples:
Mail-back kits, containers, pickup service.
Medical Waste Disposal
Examples:
Red bag mailers, DOT containers, transport manifests.
Pharmaceutical Waste
Examples:
Non-hazardous and hazardous drug disposal systems.
Controlled Substances
Examples:
DEA-compliant destruction kits and kiosks.
OSHA Compliance Training
Examples:
BBP, HazCom, exposure plans, training tracking.
Hazardous Waste
Examples:
Pickup for chemical, chemo, and solvent waste.
Universal Waste
Examples:
Bulb, battery, and electronic mail-back solutions.
State-Specific Regulations
PureWay provides a state-by-state regulatory map to help you understand local requirements for:
Sharps disposal
Regulated medical waste
Pharmaceutical waste
DEA compliance
Rules can change by state. Use PureWay’s interactive map to quickly check the requirements in your area.
Veterinary Waste Compliance Disclaimer
This section provides important guidance regarding veterinary waste management in the United States. The information is intended for general educational purposes and highlights key considerations for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. It is not legal advice, and veterinary facilities are responsible for verifying and adhering to all applicable rules. PureWay Compliance, Inc. offers resources and support to assist facilities, but ultimate compliance responsibility remains with the waste generator.
This guide provides general information on veterinary waste compliance and disposal practices in the United States.
Regulations vary by state and local jurisdiction.
Veterinarians and clinic administrators should consult their state environmental, health, and pharmacy boards for location-specific requirements.
This document does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting appropriate regulatory authorities or legal counsel.
Always verify compliance requirements with your state and local agencies.
PureWay Compliance, Inc. offers tools, training, and services to help facilities align with federal and many state-level regulations, but final responsibility for compliance remains with the generator of the waste.
The information in this guide is for general educational purposes only.
PureWay Compliance, Inc. is not responsible for actions taken based on the information provided herein.