How to properly package medical waste box in Virginia

Any Virginia healthcare facility or business such as a funeral home or even Virginia tattoo businesses that throw away or generate medical or Virginia sharps waste are responsible for preparing the red bag waste for pickup. This is called “packaging medical waste”. Proper packaging of Virginia biohazardous waste starts with ensuring appropriate setup, suitable types of red biohazard bags and acceptable disposal of items in the red bag.

1. Set up your medical waste container box.

Using corrugated medical waste boxes? Be sure to turn over and seal the bottom flaps with 2-inch wide, clear, packing tape. Or securely engage the bottom flaps of your auto-lock container. Top and bottom are distinguished by the printed arrows and text on the box. If you are using a reusable bin or tub, no setup is required.

2. Line your biohazard waste container with the red bio bag.

Use a red biohazard bag to line the inside of the container with the 4 sides overlapping the containers outer sides. Be sure to comply with any and all state-specific requirements for thickness of the red biohazard bags and be sure not to exceed the weight limitations of the container generally 40lbs.

3. Dispose of only medical waste and sharps in the red bag.

Know what is defined as medical waste in your state, Virginia. DON’T place medications, loose needles or other sharps, trash, trace chemotherapy or pathological waste in the red medical waste bag if not appropriate for your listed disposal service. Do place sealed, puncture-resistant disposable sharps containers in the red bag. Mark any pathological waste or trace chemotherapy waste for incineration and also package it separately from other red bag waste that is not routed for incineration. Fill the container as appropriate #2 leaving space at the top.

4. Gather, twist and tie the red biohazard bag.

While wearing gloves and other BSI protections gather the 4 edges of the red bag from the sides of the container. Twist the top of the bag to seal its contents. Secure the seal with a strong hand tied single or goose-neck knot to prevent any leakage if accidentally inverted. You can also use a zip tie or tape to secure the knot. Ensure that the bag is completely closed.

5. Seal your biohazard medical waste container.

For corrugated boxes, seal the top of the box with 2-inch wide, clear packing tape. For auto-locking medical waste boxes or tubs, engage the top flaps. For reusable container, secure the lid, and engage all closures and locking.

6. Check the medical waste container’s markings.

In Virginia you may have additional state and local regulatory requirements or medical waste regulations. Always follow the best practices of your facility and comply with local, state, and federal laws for medical waste disposal.