Medical Pathological Waste (MPW) includes any waste with actual or perceived presence of pathogenic agents. This type of waste is generated at the NIH Bethesda campus through various animal and human studies and treatment protocols. The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP)'s Medical Pathological Waste Program collects all MPW from buildings daily. Some MPW can be decontaminated and then disposed of as general waste. MPW that cannot be disinfected is sent to an off-site medical waste incinerator for disposal. Goals for this program include minimization of medical waste through better segregation and development of effective on-site medical waste treatment systems. For more information, see the NIH Waste Disposal Guide.
If you would like more information about this program, please contact Jacquelyn McGauley.