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Healthcare waste

Healthcare waste may be generated in households or healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, as well as medical research facilities, laboratories, veterinary practices, first aid stations and schools. Some products used for healthcare, such as sharps, chemotherapy drugs, pharmaceuticals and disinfectants, may harm the environment and human health if they are not disposed of properly. Guidelines for properly managing healthcare waste can differ depending on where the waste is generated, managed and disposed.

Find a registered sharps collection station

How to safely dispose of household pharmaceuticals

Infectious waste annual report

Details about the annual report infectious waste generators must file with the DNR

Healthcare facility waste

Overview of waste types generated at healthcare facilities and how to manage them properly

Household healthcare waste

Overview of requirements and best management practices for household-generated healthcare waste

Collecting medical sharps

Requirements and resources for those collecting discarded syringes, lancets and other medical sharps from the public

Disposal of non-household pharmaceuticals

Requirements and options for safe management and disposal of unused medications generated by businesses & institutions

Infectious waste regulations

Definitions and requirements for proper management of infectious waste