Where should we place empty vaccine vials? In medical waste or general trash?

Most empty vaccine vials are not considered hazardous or pharmaceutical waste and do not require disposal in a biomedical waste container. Check and comply with your state requirements for disposal. Medical waste disposal requirements may vary from state to state because they are set by state environmental agencies. Contact your immunization program or state environmental agency for guidance to ensure your facility’s vaccine disposal procedures comply with state and federal regulations.

An exception to this principle is that an empty rotavirus vaccine dispensing tube or oral applicator is considered medical waste and should be disposed of in a medical waste container.