Preparing for Category A Ebola Waste: Why Advance Planning Matters

Amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak, it is more important than ever for healthcare facilities to be prepared to handle Ebola waste. According to Forbes, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is requesting worldwide cooperation in containing the spread that has put 10 African Countries at risk thus far. Three U.S. airports have been established to conduct Ebola screenings for any person who has travelled within the impacted countries recently. However, due to the magnitude of cases, it is crucial for local healthcare organizations to responsibly prepare for Ebola.

The Need for Specific Ebola Waste Management Procedures

One important facet of preventing the spread of disease is to plan for the unique challenges associated with potential Ebola waste and other Category A infectious waste streams. Unlike standard regulated medical waste, Category A infectious substances require specialized packaging, separate storage, regulatory coordination, and US DOT Compliant transportation procedures. It is important for hospitals and other facilities to have the necessary Category A packaging supplies and plans in place for compliant Ebola waste management.

Category A Packaging Kits

Advant-Edge Solutions of Middle Atlantic, Inc. (ASMAI) provides Category A Packaging Kits designed to help healthcare facilities prepare for potential infectious disease events before they occur. Having compliant materials onsite can help facilities respond more safely, reduce confusion during emergency situations, and support proper Ebola waste containment procedures.

ASMAI’s kits include:

  • DOT-compliant 30- and 55-gallon overpack containers
  • Absorbent materials
  • Heavy-duty cable ties
  • Infectious substance and UN2814 labels
2 images of a category A packaging kit, one from above and one from the side showing labels.
Instructions on placing labels for Category A packaging kit.

Learn more about our Category A packaging.

A Trusted Partner in Ebola Waste Management

The transportation and disposal of Category A infectious substances like Ebola is highly regulated and often requires coordination with the Local Health Department, CDC, Department of Transportation, and specialized treatment and disposal facilities. Proper planning is critical to protecting healthcare workers, maintaining compliance, and supporting safe waste handling practices during high-risk infectious disease events.

In addition to packaging kits, ASMAI assists healthcare organizations with:

  • Emergency response planning
  • Packaging and labeling guidance
  • Transportation coordination
  • Specialized disposal support
  • Regulatory guidance for Category A waste management

Learn more about our Ebola waste management solutions.


Preparing before an Ebola event occurs can make a significant difference in a facility’s ability to respond safely and effectively. Contact us today to ensure your team stays safe and compliant.

author avatar
Don Holland Vice President
Donald Holland is a seasoned regulated waste management professional with over 30 years of experience supporting healthcare systems, federal agencies, and research institutions. As Vice President at Advant-Edge Solutions of Middle Atlantic, Inc., he leads complex projects and bids focused on regulated medical waste, hazardous waste, sharps programs, pharmaceutical waste and comprehensive waste solutions.