Medical Waste Disposal Regulations for Funeral Homes in Delaware

As a funeral home director in Delaware, you handle materials that require special attention when it comes to disposal. From embalming fluids to surgical instruments, proper medical waste disposal in Delaware protects your staff, families, and community. But more than that, waste disposal is a must when you want your funeral home to be compliant with Delaware’s guidelines.

And let’s face it: Navigating funeral home waste regulations can feel overwhelming.

Luckily, we’ve created this complete yet condensed guide to help you understand Delaware’s requirements and keep your facility compliant.

Delaware’s Medical Waste Disposal Framework

Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) oversees medical waste disposal in Delaware through specific regulations that apply to funeral homes.

Here’s what you need to know about the basics.

Getting an Infectious Waste Identification Number

Every funeral home generating medical waste must obtain an Infectious Waste Identification Number from DNREC’s Compliance and Permitting Section. This number allows the department to classify your business and the type of waste it generates.

Generator Classifications

Delaware classifies waste generators based on monthly volume. If your facility generates more than 50 pounds of medical waste in any calendar month, you’re considered a Large Quantity Generator with additional reporting requirements.

Annual Reporting Obligations

You’ll need to submit detailed annual reports to DNREC explaining how your facility handled medical waste throughout the year. This documentation protects your business and demonstrates compliance.Choice MedWaste is happy to provide all the necessary data to complete this report in a timely and compliant manner. 

Proper Waste Segregation for Funeral Operations

Funeral home waste regulations require careful separation of different waste types. Getting this right from the start makes everything else easier.

Infectious Materials

Infectious materials can be any of the following:

• Blood-soaked materials from preparation procedures

• Tissues and organs removed during embalming

• Contaminated personal protective equipment

• Used gauze, cotton, and absorbent materials
  

Sharp Waste

These must be separated from infectious materials due to the hazards of handling them. Sharp waste includes:

• Scalpels and surgical blades

• Trocars and injection needles

• Scissors used in preparation

• Any instrument capable of causing puncture wounds
  

Chemical Waste Streams

Chemicals can be hazardous to handlers and the environment. These are the different types of chemical waste from embalming waste disposal and other funeral home procedures:

• Unused embalming solutions

• Contaminated cleaning chemicals

• Disinfectants 
  

Packaging and Labeling Standards

Delaware has strict requirements for how you package and label medical waste. Following these guidelines prevents costly violations and ensures safe transport.

Container Requirements

Medical waste must be contained in a red bag marked with the appropriate biohazard and infectious waste labeling. . These materials then go into double-walled fiberboard outer packaging that meets Department of Transportation standards. There should never be any free flowing liquids in the containers. All liquids must be in leak proof containers prior to being placed inside the red bag and fiberboard DOT container. 

Sharps Containers

All sharp instruments must go into puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers specifically designed for sharps disposal. Never overfill these containers — seal them when they reach the fill line.

Proper Labeling

Each container needs clear labeling that includes your facility’s name, the waste generation date, and appropriate biohazard symbol. Incomplete labeling can result in regulatory issues.The team at Choice MedWaste brings supplies and ensures all containers are labeled with the appropriate information at the time of pick up. 

Documentation Requirements

Maintain detailed records of all waste generation, including manifests and certificates of destruction. These documents prove proper disposal if questions arise later.

Special Considerations for Embalming Waste Disposal

Embalming waste disposal presents unique challenges due to the chemical nature of preservation fluids and the biological materials involved.

Formaldehyde Management

Formaldehyde from embalming fluid requires hazardous waste classification. And because of its effects on ground water, you should never pour solutions down drains or dispose of them in regular trash.

Instead, store waste chemicals in appropriate containers until pickup and keep safety data sheets readily available for all chemicals.

Blood and Body Fluid Disposal

All blood removed during embalming counts as infectious waste. Use absorbent materials to capture spills and dispose of them as medical waste

Equipment Decontamination

Instruments used during embalming need to be decontaminated, while cleaning materials used during embalming need to be disposed of. You should also replace protective equipment regularly and document cleaning procedures for compliance.

Too Many Guidelines? Choice MedWaste in Delaware Can Help.

At Choice Med Waste Delaware, we understand the unique challenges funeral homes face with waste management. Our medical waste services for funeral homes are designed specifically for your industry’s needs.

Customized Pickup Schedules

We work around your schedule, not the other way around. Whether you need weekly pickups or on-call service for busy periods, we’re here to help.We also have free emergency pick ups for our clients. 

Complete Documentation Support

Our team handles all required paperwork, including manifests, certificates of destruction, and annual reporting assistance. You focus on serving families while we handle the compliance details.

Specialized Container Solutions

From small sharps containers to large-capacity bins for embalming waste, we provide the right containers for your specific needs. All containers meet Delaware’s strict packaging requirements.

Let Us Handle Your Funeral and Medical Waste Disposal in Delaware

Staying compliant with funeral home waste regulations doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right partner and proper procedures, you can focus on what matters most — serving families during difficult times while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Are you ready to simplify your medical waste management? Contact Choice MedWaste Delaware today to get a free quote on our specialized medical waste services for funeral homes.