What’s the Difference?

Medical waste from chemotherapy, just as all other medical waste, has specific requirements when it comes to storage and disposal. With that in mind, it’s important to know the difference between the two types of waste generated from chemotherapy–trace and bulk.

What is Trace Chemotherapy Waste?

Trace chemotherapy waste is any item that has come in contact with or could contain residual amounts of a chemotherapy agent. It’s also referred to as RCRA empty because it contains less than 3% of the original volume. This type of waste includes a variety of items that are used in the process of chemotherapy treatments including:

• IV bags
• IV tubing
• Syringes
• Drug vials
• PPE used in the process

How to dispose of Trace Chemotherapy Waste

Trace waste must be disposed of according to state and federal guidelines. Typically, this type of chemotherapy waste is disposed of in a yellow medical waste container. The container must be compliant with medical waste regulations.

What is Bulk Chemotherapy Waste?

Bulk chemotherapy waste is any waste generated from chemotherapy that is not RCRA empty. This category of waste includes any item or material that has been used in the process of chemotherapy treatment and contains more than 3% of the agent. Items that are considered bulk chemotherapy waste are:

• Full bags of chemotherapy drugs
• Vials of chemotherapy drugs
• Sponges or other items that have been used to clean up spills
• PPE that has visible contamination from chemotherapy drugs

How to dispose of Bulk Chemotherapy Waste

Bulk chemotherapy waste is considered hazardous waste and therefore must be disposed of according to the laws associated with this type of medical waste. Collection should be done in the appropriate container which is usually black and clearly labeled hazardous waste. All bulk chemotherapy waste should be picked-up and transported by a licensed medical waste disposal company.

Both trace and bulk chemotherapy waste have the ability to cause illness or death if accidental contact occurs. They can also cause damage to the environment and water supply if improperly disposed of and generators of this type of waste can face violations and fines for improper disposal.

All Points Medical Waste provides full service medical waste disposal, including trace and bulk chemotherapy waste. We serve Florida medical and healthcare facilities from Broward County to Okeechobee County. Give us a call today or complete the form on this page to get a quick quote.