Tattoo Shops and Medical Waste Disposal

| | 3 minute read

In the intricate world of tattooing, where artistry meets expression, there’s a lesser-known but critical aspect that deserves attention: medical waste disposal. Behind the vibrant storefronts and buzzing needles of tattoo parlors lies a responsibility to ensure safe and hygienic practices. From used needles to contaminated materials, the proper handling and disposal of medical waste are not only regulatory requirements but also paramount for the health and safety of both artists and clients. In this blog, we explore the essential procedures for tattoo shop medical waste disposal.

Medical Waste Tattoo Shops Produce

Despite most medical waste being a byproduct of the healthcare industry, it remains important to consider other industries that do not produce medical waste. One industry that most do not consider when it comes to medical waste is the tattoo industry.

Regulated Medical Waste

Medical Waste helps tattoo shops with waste disposal

While the industry produces huge amounts of sharps waste, it also generates regulated medical waste. Regulated medical waste is any waste that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. It poses a significant risk of transmitting infections or diseases. This type of waste includes items such as:

  • Pathological Waste
  • Human Blood and Blood Products, and 
  • Contaminated Sharps.

Regulated medical waste disposal may result in severe fines or medical dangers to yourself and others if done improperly, and noncompliant with local, state, and federal regulations. One of the steps to proper disposal is proper collection and storage of medical waste. It is necessary to use an approved medical waste container, despite different types of containers varying on the waste. Utilizing proper containers dependent on the type of waste and disposal method will help keep your medical waste disposal compliant.

Sharps Waste 

Although it is evident that the tattoo industry generates huge amounts of regulated medical waste. In a tattoo shop, it is necessary to consider all medical waste that is produced. The most obvious is sharps waste. 

Sharps disposal for the tattoo industry is regulated the same way as all other industries. The environmental and health risks remain the same. Improper disposal can lead to legal ramifications. It is always best practice to establish a procedure when handling sharps by using approved sharps containers and following proper disposal methods.

Get Your Tattoo Shop Waste Disposal Services Today

Medical Waste Pros can provide regulatory-compliant medical waste disposal services to the tattoo industry. To start, fill out the form or give us a call at (888) 755-6370. Within minutes, we’ll get you free, no-obligation quotes within minutes!