Veterinary Clinics

Veterinary clinics have similar hazardous waste streams as medical clinics and are subject to the same waste regulations.

Knowing how to properly dispose of waste generated by your practice is essential in protecting the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.

ANESTHESIA FILTERS

Activated charcoal filters should be disposed of as hazardous waste; they contain high levels of halogenated organic compounds from anesthesia gases. Carbon dioxide filters are hazardous waste due to high pH levels and/or trapped anesthesia gasses, even when fully exhausted. Label these containers as hazardous waste and store them in a sealed container to avoid off-gassing into the room.

BIOMEDICAL WASTE

Biomedical waste includes items saturated with blood or bodily fluids, tissues, and sharps. Flowable blood and other bodily fluids can be put down the drain. Items such as gloves, rubber dams, and bibs that have come in contact with blood or bodily fluids aren't considered biomedical waste. They may be put into the garbage in a plastic bag.

CLEANING SOLUTIONS AND DISINFECTANTS

Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, solutions from chemiclaves, and cold sterilants may be hazardous waste depending on their ingredients and concentrations. Use the entire product or neutralize it. Don't pour excess down the drain, and never into the septic system.

CYTOLOGY STAINS

Cytology stains are hazardous due to flammability and toxicity. Stains must be labeled and stored properly. Used stains must be disposed of by a hazardous waste disposal company. Do not dispose of waste stains down the sink for sewer or septic systems.

LEAD FOILS

The lead in the foils can leach into soil and water if taken to a landfill. Collect lead foils from x-ray packets for recycling or disposal as a hazardous waste. Don't put lead in the sharps container, the red biohazard bag, or the trash.

PHARMACEUTICALS

Most pharmaceuticals are hazardous waste due to the large number of chemicals they contain. If legally possible, use up your medications. Don't accept samples unless you can use or return them. Dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals through a hazardous waste disposal vendor.

SHARPS

Put hypodermic needles, syringes with needles attached, lancets, and scalpel blades in a sharps container. Dispose of the container through a biomedical waste disposal company.