A cardboard box and a plastic bin, both lined with red biohazard bags and marked with biohazard symbols.
Step 1

Line your corrugated or poly container with the supplied red liner prior to use. Check the containers markings to ensure you are complying with state and federal regulations. Ensure that markings (biohazard symbol, this-side-up-arrows, regulated medical waste, N.O.S., and UN number) are present. If unsure of your state regulations, check with your local Secure Stream representative.

A hand wearing a blue medical glove lifting a red plastic trash bag out of a cardboard box.
Step 2

Each bag must be tied shut when container is full. DO NOT OVERFILL CONTAINER. It is recommended customers use a gooseneck knot to close red bag to ensure a leak proof seal (see image). Red bags bearing visible damage and/or evidence of leakage must be over packed within an intact red bag.

A cardboard shipping box with printed fields for sender and recipient information.
Step 3

For poly containers, place the lid securely on the container. For corrugated containers, confirm all openings are securely sealed closed with tape. Red bags must not be visible once the container is closed. Ensure that no bags are leaking before sealing them inside a corrugated container. Double bag as needed to ensure compliance.

A cardboard SecureStream medical waste box next to a red plastic biohazard container.
Step 4

Stage and store regulated medical waste for pickup in areas which are not readily accessible to the general public. Be sure to limit access to collection and storage areas to only to authorized employees maintaining the integrity of the packaging and providing protection from the elements and wildlife. It also must be easily accessible to the Secure Stream driver in order to do the pickup.

Waste With Blood or OPIM

Gauze, bandages, and dressings saturated with blood or OPIM are acceptable.

Used PPE

Used surgical gloves, gowns, masks, and other forms of disposable PPE are acceptable.

Consumables & Biohazards

Plastic tubing, pipettes, and culture dishes containing biohazards are acceptable. Do not include glass.

Sharps Containers

Sealed, puncture-resistant sharps containers may be placed inside the Red Bag once they are full.

Loose Sharps

Needles, scalpels, and lancets must go in rigid sharps containers first.

Free Liquids

Bulk liquids must be solidified prior to packaging.

Regular Trash

Don't include paper towels, food waste, wrappers, or packaging material.

Chemicals or Rx

Don't include hazardous chemical waste, mercury, or unused pharmaceuticals.

50 lb Weight Limit

Containers must never exceed 50 lbs to protect transit drivers and comply with DOT regulations.

OSHA Biohazard Labeling

The universal biohazard symbol and "Biohazard" text must remain clearly visible on the outside of the sealed container at all times.

Proper PPE Attire

Always wear gloves, eye protection, and protective gowns when sealing or moving full biohazard containers.

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