Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is RMW?
A: Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), also known as ‘Biohazardous’ waste or 'Infectious medical’ waste, is the portion of the waste stream that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious materials, thus posing a significant risk of transmitting infection.
Q: Is there a difference between regulated medical waste and infectious waste?
A: Regulated Medical Waste, medical waste, Bio-medical Waste, and Medical Waste are all considered Infectious Waste per the EPA.
Q: The general categories of Regulated Medical Waste are:
A: Cultures, Pathological Wastes, Human Blood, Body Fluids and Blood Products, Sharps, Animal Waste, Unused Sharps, Spill/Cleanup Material
Q: Human body parts and Pathological Waste?
A: This is anything that can be distinguished as a part of a human body including soft organs, and appendages. This waste cannot be included in your red bag waste and must be identified as pathological waste. Pathological Waste has very specific disposal requirements so contact your disposal contract for specific instruction.
Q: Do I need to dispose of my regulate medical waste separately from my municipal waste.
A: Yes Regulated Medical waste per the New Mexico Environmental Department Regulated Medical Waste or Infection Waste is considered special waste and must be disposed of separately form you municipal waste
Q: Do I handle my sharps differently than my regulate medical waste?
A: yes even though Sharps are considered infectious waste they must be separated and stored in a container that is specifically designed for sharps waste.
Sharps include: needles, lancets, syringes, broken glass, culture (slides, dishes), broken tubes, and broken rigid plastic
However once the sharp container is sealed it can be commingled in infectious waste container (red bad container) for disposal
Securely closed disposable sharps containers before placing them in the regulated medical bin
Q: What does in my red bag?
A: Visibly bloody gloves, plastic tubing, or personal protective equipment (PPE),
Gauze, bandages, or other items contaminated with blood