Health care facilities recognize five categories of hazardous waste: chemical, infectious, physically hazardous, radioactive, and cytotoxic. The first step in waste management is to document the flow of waste material through its lifetime. The material safety data sheets that come with materials provide some information about the handling and disposal of waste and whether it is recyclable. All containers should be labeled, and all individuals involved in the waste-management process should receive extensive training. A daily log should record everything that goes into the hazardous waste storage area. The area should also display a placard listing the health hazards. Managers should recognize their liability for waste and that the reason for filing a waste manifest with the Environmental Protection Agency is to make it possible to trace the waste. An article discussing why hospital security should not be placed under the operational or administrative control of the hospital risk manager who focuses on insurance issues is attached.