Pathological waste is a common waste type generated by healthcare facilities, clinics, research and testing facilities. It differs from other medical waste in that it has a very high moisture content and needs to be incinerated. Due to its specific challenges, pathological waste disposal calls for collection and disposal procedures that are different from standard red-bag disposal.

Thus, following separate guidelines for handling of pathological waste is a good practice, even if you don’t have to deal with it frequently. At Med Waste Gone, we help numerous clients dispose of their pathological waste on a daily basis. Pathological waste is placed in a biohazard container lined with a red bag.

Your Local St. Louis-Area Pathological Waste Disposal Company

Med Waste Gone provides pathological waste disposal services for waste generator clients throughout the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding bi-state region of Missouri and Illinois.

Call us or complete the form on this page to discuss your unique needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

What is Pathological Waste?

Pathological waste is a type of biohazardous waste. It typically originates from surgical procedures or research that involves removal of organs, tissues or body parts. Pathological waste can be either from humans or animals. Depending on your location, check with either Illinois or Missouri health authorities to determine what is considered pathological waste in your state.

Common types of pathological waste include:

• Amputated organs, body parts or tissues
• Teeth, gums and jawbones
• Placentas
• Tissue samples collected for analysis
• Animal tissues, organs, body parts, or carcasses used in research

Pathological Waste Collection

Pathological waste should be separated from the other red-bag, regulated medical waste. It possesses a few qualities that may warrant different disposal procedures. Consider this when developing your facility’s guidelines for pathological waste collection and disposal. Pathological waste, specifically anatomical waste such as organs, can be saturated or filled with bodily fluids. Special measures, such as double-bagging or use of absorbents, may need to be taken to prevent leakage. Pathological waste has to be refrigerated in order to slow down decomposition and prevent odors. It’s best to have it picked up promptly.

Some pathological waste may be hazardous if it was in contact with hazardous chemicals such as chemotherapy drugs. It may also be infectious. In either case, it should be labeled accordingly.

Pathological Waste Disposal

Pathological waste can be packaged into a variety of containers. Commonly used containers include cardboard boxes and biohazard containers lined with red bags. If you don’t produce pathological waste frequently, you can make special arrangements for a pickup.

For more information, call us or complete the form on this page. We look forward to hearing from you.