EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         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 9, 2004, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Stericycle, Inc. and
Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2003, included in its Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                             /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois
May 10, 2004