Pharmaceutical Waste Management

Secure Waste is your expert partner in developing waste management solutions for pharmacology that address the specific needs of any patient care facility, regardless of its size.

Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Whether you’re a new healthcare facility or an established practice, Secure Waste is your Hazardous waste management expert, offering various disposal solutions.

Safe Disposal of Pharmaceutical Healthcare Waste

Local Pharmaceutical Disposal Company

Comprehensive Solutions for Every Scenario

For over 25 years, Secure Waste Solutions has been a trusted partner to healthcare providers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Management 

We understand the significance of responsibly and safely managing and disposing of pharmaceutical waste. Secure Waste has earned expertise in pharmaceutical disposal and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) operations. Our highly experienced team is committed to providing only reliable, compliant, and cost-effective controlled substance disposal solutions. We will cover everything, from segregation and packaging to transportation and disposal. And yes, we always prioritize safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility. No matter what service you need – regular support or a one-time clean-out, we are always there to assist you with all your pharmaceutical medical waste disposal needs.  

Risks Associated With Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

40% of the nation’s water supply is permeated by pharmaceuticals. Different substances like antibiotics, painkillers, and antidepressants are infiltrating water systems with aquifers and wastewater treatment plants. This contamination affects the ecosystems negatively, with pharmaceutical byproducts affecting the behavior, reproduction, and growth of species such as frogs and fish.

And it just does not stop at environmental harm. Faulty disposal methods can even increase the risk of accidental poisoning. Over 60,000 children under five unintentionally ingest medications each year, often due to improperly stored or discarded drugs. 

This irresponsible pharmaceutical and biohazard waste disposal can even lead to the diversion of expired drugs, further causing illegal resale and substance abuse. A lot of wastewater facilities are not designed to remove these chemicals, and the non-compliant disposal methods they might use can cause severe damage to sewage systems. 

Our Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Process

Waste Identification and Segregation

The first step towards proper healthcare waste management is accurately identifying and segregating pharmaceutical junk. Our team will work with your staff to differentiate between hazardous, non-hazardous, and controlled substances so that each category is handled carefully and correctly.

Safe Collection and Secure Packaging

We have specific containers for different types of pharma waste, including sharps, pathological waste, and chemotherapeutic materials. Each container is designed to prevent leaks, spills, and contamination. The containers we use are reusable, which reduces environmental impact.

Documentation and Compliance Assurance

Each and every step we work on will be documented carefully. Be it waste collection or the final disposal, we take care of all the records and keep in mind compliance with all federal and state guidelines for easy audits and regulatory inspections.

Transportation and Tracking

We offer licensed and insured transportation services for healthcare waste management so that the transit of pharmaceutical waste is securely taken to the approved disposal facilities. Our real-time tracking systems provide transparency and peace of mind throughout the journey.

Final Disposal and Environmental Responsibility

The collected waste is treated and disposed of in authorized facilities that use environmentally responsible methods, such as incineration or chemical neutralization. Our methods for hazardous waste disposal are formulated so that harmful substances do not enter the ecosystem.

Ongoing Training and Support

Learning never stops. We, as responsible service providers, offer regular staff training sessions so that our team is all updated on the best practices, regulatory changes, and waste-handling protocols. We even have a dedicated customer support team that is always available for you to address any concerns.

Why Choose Secure Waste?

Flexible Schedules

Since this task involves the assistance of your staff along with our team, this is not a one-size-fits-all process. This is why we offer flexible scheduling options so that your waste removal is done when it is most convenient for you. Be it a regular pickup or one-time service, our services will be provided as per your schedule without any hassle.

Transparent, Contract-Free Waste Solutions

Our services for biomedical waste disposal are designed to be cost-effective, with no hidden fees. So you can receive high-quality service at affordable rates. The best part is that we don’t lock you into long-term contracts. We understand that your business needs can change as time passes. This is why we provide a no-contract service model. Now, you can avail of our services wherever you need them without any prior long-term commitment.  

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

Licensed, bonded, and insured – that’s what we are. Our entire staff is experienced and trained to meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism while handling your work. 

Local Expertise

We happily serve regionally, including areas like Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. With years of local experience, Secure Waste is completely focused on providing exceptional waste management services in order to keep our communities clean and sustainable.

FAQs

Is there any contract bound duration to hire for Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal services?
No, there is no contract-bound duration required to hire our pharmaceutical waste disposal services. We offer flexible, no-contract services to suit your needs, ensuring you can schedule disposal without any long-term commitments.

Can you provide documentation for pharmaceutical waste disposal?
Yes, we can provide proper documentation for pharmaceutical waste disposal. This includes detailed reports and certificates of disposal, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Our team ensures that all waste is handled according to local, state, and federal guidelines.

What should I do if I have a large volume of expired medications to dispose of?
If you have a large volume of expired medications, we recommend contacting us directly for a consultation. We can schedule a bulk pickup and ensure that the medications are disposed of safely and in accordance with pharmaceutical waste disposal regulations. Our team can also advise on best practices for managing large quantities of waste.

What types of pharmaceutical waste do you handle?
We handle a wide range of pharmaceutical waste, including but not limited to:

  • Expired or unused medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
  • Controlled substances
  • Hazardous drugs (e.g., chemotherapy agents)
  • Needles, syringes, and other sharps
  • Medical supplies with pharmaceutical residue
  • Unused vaccines or biologics


Are there any penalties for improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste?
Yes, improper sharps waste disposal can lead to significant penalties, including fines, legal action, and damage to the environment. The disposal of pharmaceutical waste is regulated by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and failure to comply with proper disposal protocols can result in severe consequences. To avoid penalties, it’s crucial to utilize a certified and compliant waste disposal service.

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Medical Waste Disposal for Different Types of Waste

As an industry leader, Secure Waste understands the importance of compliantly managing the collection, transportation, treatment, and appropriate disposal of various types of waste as required by regulations in your area.

Bemis 8 Gallon Sharps Secure Waste

Medical Sharps Waste

Sharps waste should be disposed of in a designated sharps container, including needles, scalpels, blades, and pipettes that have been in contact with blood, body fluids, or microorganisms. These containers can be placed alongside biohazardous waste or in red bag waste to minimize the risk of needlestick injuries and ensure the safety of employees.

Pathological Waste Cart Secure Waste

Pathological Waste

Pathological waste, including human and animal body parts, organs, tissues, and surgical specimens devoid of formaldehyde, formalin, or other preservatives, must be packaged separately in containers clearly labeled for incineration. We are ready to help you and your staff ensure the safe segregation, packaging, and disposal of your facility’s pathological waste. It’s essential to handle this waste responsibly.

trace chemotherapy waste Maryland

Chemotherapeutic Waste

Addressing chemotherapy waste is essential for ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff. This waste includes empty vials, syringes, needles, IV bags, and contaminated gloves. To protect health, it’s crucial to separate, package, and label this waste properly for disposal. By following regulations, we uphold safety standards and show our commitment to everyone’s well-being. Together, we can create a safer healthcare environment!

 
 
Regulated Medical Waste Disposal Compant Washington D.C.

Biohazard Waste

Medical waste generated from procedures, including any items saturated with human blood or other potentially infectious materials like bandages, gauze, and personal protective equipment (PPE), must be treated as regulated medical waste (RMW) or red bag waste. It is imperative that these items are disposed of properly in clearly marked hazardous waste disposal containers designated for biohazard pickup.

Essential Healthcare Waste Supplies to Fulfill All Your Needs

Medical Waste Disposal Frequently Asked Questions

Biohazardous waste is any waste saturated with liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Often, biohazardous waste is used interchangeably with such terms as regulated medical waste, biomedical waste, clinical waste, infectious waste and may vary in local or state regulations. Each of these waste streams is regulated and must be disposed of by specific means to mitigate their risk to environmental health and safety. Hazardous waste should not be mixed with biohazardous or medical waste, and each should be disposed of as separate streams. Hazardous waste should never be mixed with biohazardous or medical waste, and each should be disposed of as separate streams.

Biohazardous waste types include red bag waste, sharps waste, pathological waste and trace chemo therapy. For more information please see our What Is Regulated Medical Waste article.

While there are a variety of treatment methods for biohazardous waste the two most common methods are autoclaving and incineration. For more information, see our What Is Regulated Medical Waste article.

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A Complete Guide To Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal And Containers