EXHIBIT 23.1
                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8, pertaining to the Stericycle, Inc. 2000 Nonstatutory
Stock Option Plan, of our report dated February 15, 2002, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Stericycle, Inc. and
Subsidiaries for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001,
included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois
December 19, 2002