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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.
Nevada state regulations don’t require treatment of medical waste; it’s considered a solid waste (NRS 444.490). Medical waste may be disposed of in a permitted landfill per approved practices. However, until the medical waste has been either treated or disposed of, it must be stored and collected according to specific regulations. The regulations cover:
- NAC 444.589 Applicability,
- NAC 444.646 Disposal of special wastes, and
- NAC 444.662 Storage of solid wastes before collection.
Medical waste treated by incineration, autoclaving, or an approved alternative method is managed as ordinary solid waste with no special requirements (except for the specific regulations above).
Facilities that accept medical waste for treatment must handle medical waste as a solid waste. Before processing solid waste, the solid waste management authority must approve complete plans, specifications, and design requirements listed in the document Process Facility Application Guidance.
Check local regulations, which may differ. For example, the Washoe County District Health Department and the Clark County Southern Nevada Health District have infectious waste regulations that require treatment before disposal.
Related information
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
- Nevada Revised Statutes Section 444.490
- Nevada Administrative Code Section 444.589
- Nevada Administrative Code Section 444.646
- Nevada Administrative Code Section 444.662
- Process Facility Application Guidance