Most medical waste generators in California rely on third-party haulers—but that model is starting to show its flaws. Missed pickups, overfilled storage bins, and rising transport costs are leading many providers to reconsider. Enter on-site autoclave systems, compact and efficient devices that sterilize waste right where it’s generated. They eliminate the wait, reduce handling risks, and give you full control of compliance. Ever had to delay a patient procedure because your biohazard bin was full? Or worried about weekend waste piling up?
With autoclaving, regulated waste is exposed to saturated steam at high temperatures—usually between 250°F and 270°F—for 30 to 60 minutes. That kills over 99.9999% of infectious organisms. After that, much of the treated material can be safely discarded with normal trash, assuming local disposal rules allow it. Did you know autoclaving reduces biohazard volume by as much as 90%? That’s not just convenient—it’s environmentally responsible.
At The Mark-Costello Co., we’ve helped over 600 facilities across the U.S. and 23 countries install on-site sterilization systems that meet state and federal compliance. Most of our clients ask the same thing: Can my staff operate it safely? Will I need extra space or ventilation? The answer is: these units are built for real-world conditions. Whether you're in a 4-chair dental office or a large outpatient surgery center, there’s a model designed to fit your workflow and waste output. What’s more, our systems come with maintenance and validation tools so you can always prove your compliance when the inspector walks in.
Mark Costello has been a trusted name in waste management for decades, delivering reliable and effective solutions that businesses count on.
Using the latest technology, We ensures that waste management systems are efficient and up to industry standards, from food digesters to compactors.
At Mark Costello,we provides tailored waste management solutions that fit each business’s unique needs, ensuring a smooth integration into existing operations.
Mark Costello is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals by turning waste into valuable resources, supporting a greener future.
Send us a message with your questions or concerns and our team member will contact you. We’d love to hear from you.
In California, medical waste includes biohazardous, pathological, pharmaceutical, and trace chemotherapy waste not regulated by the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This encompasses items like contaminated sharps, blood-soaked bandages, surgical instruments, and certain pharmaceutical residues. These materials pose potential risks to human health and the environment due to their infectious, hazardous, or pharmaceutical nature.
Medical waste must be stored in rigid, leak-proof containers clearly labeled with the biohazard symbol. Sharps waste should be disposed of in FDA-approved sharps containers. Storage areas must be secured to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, biohazardous or sharps waste should not be stored above 0°C (32°F) at any onsite location for more than seven days without obtaining prior written approval from the enforcement agency.
California mandates that all medical waste undergo treatment before disposal. Approved methods include autoclaving (steam sterilization), incineration, and certain alternative technologies that have received approval from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). These methods are designed to render the waste non-infectious and safe for disposal.
Yes, medical waste transporters must comply with both state and federal regulations. In California, the Medical Waste Management Act (MWMA) governs the transportation of medical waste, requiring proper documentation and adherence to safety standards. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation has specific regulations for transporting medical waste on public roads and highways.
Yes, all medical waste generators in California are required to register with their local enforcement agency, which is typically the county’s Environmental Health Department. This registration ensures compliance with the MWMA and facilitates inspections to verify adherence to medical waste management standards.
Improper disposal of medical waste in California can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential legal action. For instance, Kaiser Permanente agreed to pay $49 million to settle allegations of illegally dumping private medical records and medical waste, highlighting the serious consequences of non-compliance.