What Is Regulated Waste: Types, Regulations, and Proper Handling

Types of regulated waste

• Infectious waste: Materials contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious agents

  • Biological liquids
  • Pathological tissues
  • Culture stocks and laboratory materials
  • Animal tissue from research

• Sharps: Objects that can puncture or cut skin

  • Needles
  • Scalpel blades
  • Glass slides
  • IV tubing with needles attached

• Chemical and pharmaceutical waste: Certain hazardous chemicals and expired medications

• Other regulated waste:

  • Human dialysis waste
  • Discarded biologicals
  • Debris from infectious waste spills

Regulatory framework

• Medical Waste Management Act (MWMA): Governs the handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of medical waste in California

• Environmental Health Services (EHS): Often manages local medical waste programs, as seen in San Mateo County since 1991

• Tiered registration system: Many jurisdictions categorize waste generators based on volume produced

  • Tier I: Small generators (e.g., private doctors, dentists)
  • Tier II: Small quantity generators (<200 lbs/month)
  • Tier III: Large quantity generators (≥200 lbs/month)

Proper handling and disposal

• Segregation: Regulated waste must be separated from other waste streams using designated containers

• Containment: Use specific containers for different types of waste

  • Red bags for infectious waste
  • Puncture-resistant containers for sharps

• Treatment: Some waste requires treatment before disposal, such as autoclaving infectious waste

• Documentation: Maintain proper records and management plans as required by local regulations

• Training: Ensure staff are properly trained in waste handling procedures