Medical waste - Ohio

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.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the generation and treatment of infectious waste (3745 OAC 27). Businesses that generate more than 50 pounds of infectious waste in any calendar month must register with Ohio EPA and ensure all infectious waste is treated prior to ultimate disposal. Waste may be treated with approved technologies on-site or sent to a commercial treatment facility. The regulations cover:

• 27-01 Applicability,
• 27-02 Infectious waste treatment facility permit requirements,
• 27-03 Exemptions and variances,
• 27-30 Standards for generators of infectious wastes,
• 27-32 Standards for the operation of infectious waste treatment facilities,
• 27-33 Disposal paper system,
• 27-35 Standards for handling infectious wastes,
• 27-36 Registration requirements for generators of infectious waste,
• 27-37 Infectious waste treatment facility permit to install application,
• 27-38 Alternative infectious waste treatment technology approval process,
• 27-39 Final closure of infectious waste treatment facilities, and
• 27-99 Requirements for professional engineer certification of plans, specifications, and information.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio regulates the transportation of infectious waste (37 ORC 3734). The regulations cover:

• 3734.01 Applicability,
• 3734.02 Rules for inspection and licensing of solid waste facilities,
• 3734.021 Standards for generators and transporters of infectious wastes and owners and operators of treatment facilities,
• 3734.023 Off-site infectious waste treatment facility definitions,
• 3734.024 Municipal corporation and township fees,
• 3734.025 Return and remittance of fees by owner or operator,
• 3734.027 Prohibited activities of low-level radioactive waste,
• 3734.03 Open burning or open dumping,
• 3734.05 Licensing requirements,
• 3734.06 Annual licensing fee,
• 3734.07 Inspection requirements,
• 3734.41 Qualification of licensees and related persons definitions, and
• 3734.42 Disclosure statement.

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
• Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-27
• Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3734