​Medical Pathological Waste (MPW) includes any waste with actual or perceived presence of infectious or 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) 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.​

Frequently Asked Questions

​​Question: Does this guidance apply to animal facilities and laboratory MPW procedures?

Answer: All labs and animal facilities should follow their routine protocols for disposing MPW and PPE waste. 

Question: Who do I contact if I have procedural questions regarding the change in services?

Answer: Please email Mansi Mehta at mansi.mehta@nih.gov.

Related Links

• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 

• Decontamination and Sterilization Guidelines

• Guideline for Review and Approval of Animal Study Proposals 

• NIH Waste Disposal Guide 

• State of Maryland Hazardous Waste