Medical waste is generated in connection with the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals; medical research; and biological testing. Items contaminated with blood and body fluids used for cleaning spills are also considered potentially infectious. Institutions and occupations that typically generate PIMW are hospitals, nursing homes, medical or veterinary clinics, dental offices, clinical or pharmaceutical laboratories, university or research facilities, emergency responders, and other such facilities.

Potentially Infectious Medical Waste (PIMW) is considered a special waste. Several departments on campus generate PIMW including Health Services, Building Service Workers, Police Department, Student Housing, and the Child Care Center. All waste is packaged in red bags that are placed in specially marked boxes. PIMW is picked up once a month by a licensed transporter and eventually incinerated. UIS employees are encouraged to handle all blood as potentially infectious including any items contaminated with blood. See Blood Spills on Campus for proper procedures in dealing with bleeders.