Medical Waste Services in Santa Cruz

Proper sharps disposal is crucial for preventing injuries, protecting the environment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Improper disposal can lead to accidents and contamination.

Yes, we work with providers who adhere to federal, state, and local regulations for sharps disposal. They are fully licensed and insured to ensure safe and compliant disposal.

We have a wide network of service providers, including those in rural areas. We can find a solution that works for you, no matter where you're located.

There are locations that are free to drop off sharps. However, there are some drop-off locations that charge. You can find the pricing listing in the location details of the listing.

Medical Waste Pros can connect you with professionals offering flexible scheduling options, including daily, monthly, annually, or one-time purge services based on your needs.

Any type of sharps needs to be placed into a secure, approved container. Here are some examples:

Once used, any of the Sharps listed below should be placed in a Sharps disposal container.
- Hypodermic needles
- Pasteur pipettes
- Syringes
- Scalpel blades
- Lancets/“fingerstick” devices
- Auto-Injectors
- Infusion sets
- Capillary tubes
- Razor blades
- Connection needles/sets
- Broken glass from the laboratory including slides and slide covers
- and more

Official disposal containers are leak-proof and made of a puncture-resistant plastic and puncture-resistant lid that can be handled without concern or risk of exposure. If an FDA-cleared container is not available a heavy-duty plastic household container, such as a laundry detergent container can be used as an alternative. Never place any loose Sharps in any trashcan or recycling bin- and never flush Sharps down the toilet. If disposed of improperly, others are put in harm’s way. Medical Waste Pros helps businesses of all sizes as well as homes find safe sharps disposal services that are right for their exact needs.

No, sharps should never be disposed of in regular trash or recycling bins. This poses a risk of injury to sanitation workers and the public.

In the U.S., regulations are governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state and local health departments.

Immediately wash the area with soap and water, seek medical attention, and report the incident as soon as possible to determine if further action is needed.

Yes, many sharps disposal providers offer convenient mail-back programs where you can safely package and send your used sharps for proper disposal. Medical Waste Pros can help connect you with a provider that offers this service.

No, sharps should never be placed in biohazard bags. They require puncture-resistant, labeled sharps containers to prevent injuries and ensure safe handling.

Sharps containers should be replaced when they are about 75% full or as recommended by the container manufacturer and regulatory guidelines. Overfilling can pose a risk of needle sticks and injuries.