MEDICAL WASTE  

Definition:   Medical Waste is generally defined as any solid waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biologicals, including but not limited to: soiled or blood-soaked bandages culture dishes and other glassware discarded surgical gloves - after surgery discarded surgical instruments - scalpels needles - used to give shots or draw blood cultures, stocks, swabs used to innoculate cultures removed body organs - tonsils, appendices, limbs, etc. lancets - the little blades the doctor pricks your finger with to get a drop of blood

Information About Disposing of Medical Sharps Reference Documents Frequently Asked Questions EPA Regulations State Regulations Other Federal Regulations Other Companies of Interest

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EPA Regulations

EPA has regulations governing emissions from Hospital/Medical/Infectious Waste Incinerators as well as requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for medical waste treatment technologies which use chemicals for treating the waste.

State Regulations

Medical Waste disposal is regulated at the state level and we recommend that you look at either the State Laws & Regulations to see what laws apply in your state, or visit the links below:

• California Medical Waste Management Program
  
• West Virginia Infectious Medical Waste Program

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Other Federal Agencies That Regulate Different Aspects of Medical Waste Management

• Department of Transportation HAZMAT (DOTRSPA)
  
  Regulates Medical Waste transportation

  Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  

  Regulates medical devices such as sharps containers which are designed to safely contain used needles

  Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  

  Regulates some types of radioactive medical waste

  Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
  

  Regulates Medical Waste in the workplace

  US Postal Service (USPS)
  

  Regulates Medical Waste in the postal system

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Other Companies of Interest in Medical Waste Management

• Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
  
  Environmental and Public Health product certification programs

  Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal