Medical waste - California

The EPA has not had regulatory authority over medical waste since the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 expired in 1991. Most states have since developed their own programs, resulting in significant differences for each state. A summary of this state’s requirements includes the following.

California’s medical waste regulations are located in Amended Bill No. 333, the California Code of Regulations (8 CCR 7.16.109.5193 and 22 CCR 21), the California Health and Safety Code (20 HSC 6.5-25112.5 and 104 HSC 14), and Senate Bill No. 225. The rules cover:

• Generators
  • Medical waste generators are regulated as either large or small quantity generators and must register with their local enforcement agency.
  • Generators in counties where the state is the enforcing agency must submit the Generator Registration Application. Generators treating medical waste on-site must also submit an on-site treatment permit application.
  • A generator or parent organization that employs healthcare professionals who generate medical waste may transport limited quantities of generated waste meeting specific conditions.
  • Generators may use approved mail-back systems to dispose of medical waste.
  • A facility that generates less than 20 pounds of biohazardous waste monthly may store it for up to 30 days. If waste is stored at 32°F or below, it may be stored for up to 90 days.
  • Any amount of sharps waste may be stored for 30 days once the container is full.
  • Individuals and companies in the business of cleaning trauma scenes must register with the Medical Waste Management Program.
• Transfer stations and off-site treatment facilities
  • To store, transfer, and/or treat medical waste off-site, entities must complete the off-site medical waste facility permit application (Form 8667) and transfer station and treatment facility disclosure statement (Form 8007).
• Transporters
  • All medical waste must be hauled by a registered hazardous waste hauler. All transporters must have a current hazardous waste transporter ID, and registration must be renewed annually.
  • Only transporters listed with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) may transport medical waste.
  • All transporters must carry paperwork issued by CDPH in each vehicle when transporting medical waste.
  • Medical waste must only be transported to a permitted medical waste transfer station or treatment facility.
  • All transporters must report information about business ownership, location, vehicles, and clients to the Medical Waste Management Program.
  • CDPH requires electronic quarterly reports on medical waste generators that transporters service.
• Trauma scene waste management practitioners
  • Trauma scene waste management practitioners must register with the CDHP and follow Chapter 9.5 of the Medical Waste Management Act.
  • Practitioners must provide proof of a contractual relationship with a registered transporter or the permitted medical waste facility that receives the waste. For renewals, recent proof of proper disposal must be provided.

Related information

• Medical waste RegSense

Citations

• Federal regulation 40 CFR Part 261
• Federal regulation 40 CFR Part 262
• Federal regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030
• Federal Regulation 49 CFR Subchapter C
• California Assembly Bill No. 333
• California Code of Regulations Section 5193
• California Health and Safety Code Section 25112.5
• California Health and Safety Code Part 14
• California Senate Bill No. 225
• California Code of Regulations Chapter 21