If your facility provides chemotherapy treatments to clients, you will eventually generate waste which will need to be disposed of properly. So then, what happens to chemo waste once it has left your facility? It goes through a process of packaging, transportation, and then ultimately disposal. Here's a more in-depth look at what happens to chemo waste.

What Category of Chemotherapy Waste?

The first step in the proper removal and disposal of chemotherapy waste is determining the type or category. There are a number of chemotherapy drugs regulated as a hazardous chemical waste because they exhibit one of more of the EPA characteristics. Those characteristics are corrosivity, ignitability, reactivity, or toxicity. Those wastes which don’t fall into this category may then be managed as a biomedical waste.

Trace or Bulk Chemotherapy Waste

In addition to the actual chemotherapeutic drug used, there are other materials and equipment used during chemotherapy which must be disposed of correctly. These are things like vials or other containers which have less than 3% of the original chemotherapy waste or any materials used to clean up a chemo spill. These types of elements are typically disposed of in a trace chemotherapy waste container and dealt with by a regulated waste disposal company.

Identifying Chemotherapy Waste

So, with all the different types and categories of chemotherapy waste, how can one effectively identify which is which? This is one reason it’s a good idea to partner with a trained and experienced chemotherapy waste disposal company. BWS will help you identify those chemotherapy drugs that must be managed as hazardous and those which can be incinerated as chemotherapeutic.

Disposing of Chemotherapy Waste

Once the chemotherapy waste has been correctly classified, it is transported by a regulated waste transportation company to an appropriate disposal facility. When it comes to chemotherapy, waste which is classified as hazardous must be disposed of as a hazardous waste. Those that can be incinerated as chemotherapeutic can be incinerated for disposal.

Why Should I Hire a Chemotherapy Waste Removal Service?

Your company is responsible for all of your waste until it is destroyed – even once it has left your facilities. For this reason, it is incredibly important that you work with a company with a proven track record of chemotherapy waste disposal. BWS has a combined 70 years of experience in this area and the expertise to ensure that your waste is handled appropriately. BWS is a regulated waste solutions company who can provide chemotherapy waste disposal to clients throughout the mid-Atlantic states. For more information, give us a call at 800-660-6581 or fill out the form on our website today!

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