How to Package Medical Waste
How to Properly Package Medical Waste
in Florida
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Safe and Compliant Medical Waste Packaging
At All Points Medical Waste, we’re committed to making medical waste disposal safe, simple, and fully compliant with Florida regulations. Proper packaging of your medical waste is a critical part of maintaining a safe workplace, protecting your staff, and avoiding costly regulatory violations.
Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to ensure your facility remains compliant with Florida Administrative Code 64E-16 and meets Department of Health standards.
Why Proper Medical Waste Packaging Matters
Correctly packaging your biomedical waste protects:
- Your staff and patients from exposure to infectious materials
- Transporters who collect and dispose of your waste
- The environment from harmful contamination
- Your facility from fines and compliance issues
When you follow these packaging guidelines, you demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance.
Step 1:
Set Up Approved Containers
- Use only approved red bag-lined containers labeled for biomedical waste.
- Make sure each container is durable, leak-proof, and prominently displays the international biohazard symbol.
- Place containers in areas where waste is generated — exam rooms, labs, treatment rooms, and nurse’s stations.
Visual Tip: Post a clear label on or above each container identifying it as "BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE ONLY."
Step 2:
Label Everything Correctly
- Every red biohazard bag must be labeled with your facility's name, address, and phone number.
- Labels must be clearly visible and legible.
- If you need additional labels, All Points Medical Waste can provide them upon request.
Important: Labeling is not optional. Florida law requires proper identification of all biomedical waste.
Step 3:
Properly Fill Containers
- Deposit only biomedical waste in red bags (e.g., blood-soaked items, contaminated PPE, used gloves).
- Never overfill containers. Fill bags to about ⅔ capacity to allow for proper closure.
- Use separate approved containers for sharps waste (like needles and scalpels).
Reminder: General garbage, food waste, or recyclables must NOT be placed in biohazard containers.
Step 4:
Secure the Red Bag
- Once the red bag is ⅔ full or ready for removal, tie it securely using a gooseneck knot or a comparable closure method.
- Make sure the closure prevents any leakage or exposure during handling.
Visual Tip: A properly tied gooseneck knot leaves no openings or loose ends.
Step 5:
Place Red Bags into Rigid Containers
- Carefully place the tied red bag into an approved, rigid, leak-proof outer container (like a 15-gallon or 28-gallon medical waste container).
- Close the lid securely until it clicks or locks into place.
Sharps Disposal Note:
- Used sharps must be placed into approved sharps containers (2, 5, or 8-gallon size).
- Once sharps containers are full (up to the designated "FULL" line), close and lock the lid securely.
- Place the sealed sharps containers directly into the regulated medical waste (RMW) container for pickup.
Step 6:
Prepare for Scheduled Pick-Up
- On your scheduled pick-up day, make sure all sealed red bag containers and sharps containers are placed in your designated accumulation area.
- Accumulation areas must be:
- Easily accessible to our drivers
- Secure from public access
- Clearly marked as a biomedical waste storage area
Reminder: Waste must not be stored for more than 30 days from the first day waste is placed into the red bag.
Visual Overview
Red Bag Setup
Proper Labeling
Correct Filling
Secure Tie
Place in Rigid Container
Ready for Pickup
Why Trust All Points Medical Waste?
Service Backed by Experience.
We know Florida's biomedical waste rules inside and out.
Personalized service you can trust.
Clear guidance, dependable pickups, and full compliance support.
On-demand and scheduled pickups available across Florida.
When you partner with All Points Medical Waste, you’re choosing peace of mind, safety, and unmatched service.
Questions About Medical Waste Packaging?
Need labels? Unsure if your containers meet Florida standards? We’re here to help.
Contact All Points Medical Waste today for expert guidance and reliable service across Florida.
Secure. Compliant. Local. Woman-Owned.
Your trusted partner for safe and simple medical waste management.
