USPS Packaging Instruction 6D

Sharps Waste and Other Regulated Medical Waste

Regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste known or suspected to contain a Category A infectious substance is not mailable. Regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste as defined in 346.12(f) and 346.12(g) and containing materials classified as Category B infectious substances are permitted for mailing provided that all applicable requirements specified in 346.322 are met.

For Packaging Instructions for medical professional packages, refer to 346.322(b–d).

Proper Shipping Name and ID Number

• Regulated Medical Waste, UN3291.
• Sharps Medical Waste, UN3291.

Required Authorization

• Each vendor of a complete regulated medical waste or sharps waste mailing container system (including all component parts required to safely mail such waste to a storage or disposal facility) must obtain authorization from the Postal Service prior to mailing. The vendor in whose name the authorization is being sought must submit a written request to the director Product Classification, Postal Service Headquarters (refer to 214 for contact information).

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted only using USPS Returns Service via USPS Ground Advantage service option.

Required Packaging

General

• Only regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste mailing container systems approved by Postal Service Headquarters may be mailed. Approved packaging must meet all requirements in 346.322(b), including a leakproof primary receptacle (also puncture-resistant for sharps medical waste), a water-resistant secondary containment system, enough material within the primary receptacle to absorb and retain three times the total liquid allowed within the primary receptacle, and a step-by-step instruction sheet that details the sequence and method of container assembly prior to mailing.

Marking

Labels and markings must be placed on the address side of the mailpiece unless specified differently in 221.1 and 325.1.

• Each primary receptacle and outer packaging must bear a label, which cannot be detached intact, showing the name of the vendor, the USPS Authorization Number, and the container ID number. Place the label on the top or on a side of the packaging.
• The primary receptacle(s) and the outer packaging must bear the international biohazard symbol in black with either a fluorescent orange or fluorescent red background as shown in Exhibit 346.321. The symbol on the outer packaging must be at least 3 inches high and 4 inches wide.
• The outer packaging must bear a properly prepared USPS Returns Service label. The USPS Returns Service permit must be held in the same name as that of the authorized medical waste vendor.
• The outer packaging must be marked on two opposite side walls with the package orientation marking in 49 CFR § 173.312 to identify the proper upright position of the mailpiece during handling.
• Mailpieces containing regulated medical waste or sharps waste must be marked on the address side with the correct UN number and proper shipping name (e.g., “Regulated Medical Waste, UN3291” or “Regulated Medical Waste-Sharps, UN3291”).

Documentation

• Each mailpiece must have a four-part waste shipping paper. The shipping paper must be affixed to the outside of the mailpiece in an envelope or similar carrier that can be easily opened and resealed to allow review of the document. The shipping paper must comply with all applicable requirements imposed by the laws of the state from which the container system is mailed. At a minimum, the information in Exhibit 346.322 must be on the shipping paper.