Postal Explorer > Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail > Appendix C USPS Packaging Instructions for Mailable Hazardous Materials > USPS Packaging Instruction 6E

USPS Packaging Instruction 6E

Sharps Waste and Other Regulated Medical Waste, DMM Reference 601.10.17.7

Sharps (medical waste) and other regulated medical waste, as defined in 346.12 and DMM 601.10.17.2 are mailable provided that all applicable requirements specified in 346.32c and DMM 601.10.17.7 are met. See DMM reference.

Proper Shipping Name and ID Number

• Regulated Medical Waste-Sharps, UN3291.

• Regulated Medical Waste, UN3291.

Required Authorization

• Each manufacturer (or distributor) of sharps medical waste or other regulated medical waste container systems must obtain written approval prior to mailing from the Manager, Mailing Standards, USPS Headquarters, Washington, DC (see DMM 608.8).

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.

• Domestic Mail: Permitted only via Priority Mail or First-Class Mail and in conjunction with merchandise return service.

Required Packaging

General

• Only sharps waste and regulated medical waste mailing container systems approved by USPS Headquarters may be mailed. Approved packaging must meet all requirements in DMM 601.10.17.7, including a leakproof primary receptacle, a leakproof secondary containment system, sufficient absorbent material, and a strong outer packaging.

• Prior to deposit, containers must be properly assembled according to the approved manufacturer's (or distributor's) preprinted assembly instructions.

Marking

• Approved outer shipping containers must clearly display the company name of the USPS authorized manufacturer, the approval number, and the container ID number.

• Each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with "Regulated Medical Waste-Sharps, UN3291" or "Regulated Medical Waste, UN3291."

• Each mailpiece must bear a properly prepared merchandise return service label held in the name of the authorized medical waste manufacturer.

• The universal biohazard symbol shown in Exhibit 346.32e must appear on the outside of the mailpiece.

• Orientation markings (see Exhibit 226) that properly indicate the upright position of the primary receptacle must be displayed on two opposite outer side walls of the mailpiece.

• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

Documentation

• A four part manifest using the format shown in DMM Exhibit 601.10.17.7c3 must be affixed to the outside of each mailpiece. The manifest serves as the shipping paper. The manifest must be properly completed and signed by the mailer.