GCHD Environmental Health - Infectious Waste Program

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The EPA Infectious Waste Program regulates the generation, treatment, packaging, storage, transportation, and disposal of infectious waste. Infectious Waste generators are divided into two categories, small generators are those that produce less than 50 lbs per calendar month, large generator produce 50 lbs or more in a calendar month. All Infectious Waste generator must submit a registration application to the Ohio EPA. The Geauga County Environmental Health Divison inspects the operation of infectious waste generator in Geauga County. The frequency of inspection depends on the quantity of the waste generated in a calendar month.

In Ohio, infectious waste is defined by categories. It should be noted that nearly all of the categories of infectious waste depend upon the presence of infectious agents or the possibility of the presence of infectious agents. The exceptions to this are the blood and blood products, cultures, and sharps categories which the generator must handle as an infectious waste. Below is a list of the specific categories of infectious waste.

Categories of Infectious Waste

      * Cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals.

        * Laboratory wastes that were, or were likely to have been, in
       contact with infectious agents that may present a substantial
            threat to public health if improperly managed.

        * Pathological wastes, including human and animal tissues, organs,
       and body parts, and body fluids and excreta that are contaminated
           with or are likely to be contaminated with infectious agents,
       removed or obtained during surgery or autopsy or for diagnostic
           evaluation.

        * Waste materials from the rooms of humans, or the enclosures
          of animals, that have been isolated because of diagnosed
           communicable disease that are likely to transmit infectious agents.

        * Human and animal blood specimens and blood products that are
       being disposed of, provided that, with regard to blood specimens
           and blood products from animals, the animals were or are likely
          to have been exposed to a zoonotic or infectious agent.

       * Contaminated carcasses, body parts, and bedding of animals that
       were intentionally exposed to infectious agents during research.

        * Sharp wastes used in the treatment or inoculation of human beings
       or animals. Also sharp wastes that have or are likely to have,
            come into contact with infectious agents in medical, research,
          or industrial laboratories. Sharp wastes include, but are not limited
           to, hypodermic needles, syringes, scalpel blades, and glass articles
       that have been broken.

        * Any other waste materials generated in the diagnosis, treatment,
          or immunization of human beings or animals.

        * Any other waste materials the generator designates as infectious
       wastes.

Transporters of Infectious Waste

Any person who transports infectious wastes must register with the Ohio EPA.

Home generated infectious waste disposal

A person who generates sharp wastes ("sharps" include lancets, hypodermic needles, syringes, scalpel blades, and non household glass articles that have been broken) for the purpose of their own care or treatment in their home is considered a home sharps user. For example, an insulin dependent diabetic or a terminally ill person being cared for by family members and given injections. Disposing of loose needles and syringes into the household waste poses a risk to family members and solid waste workers who must handle the waste. While Ohio law allows the disposal of sharps used by an individual for purposes of his/her own care or treatment in their home into the solid waste stream, it is important to recognize the hazard they pose to solid waste workers. Solid waste workers handle waste containers without knowledge of the contents.

It is recommended that home generated sharps be packaged into a rigid container and marked with the wording sharps prior to disposal into the solid waste stream. Common household containers which meet the description of rigid are: liquid detergent & bleach bottles, 2 liter pop bottles, and coffee can if the lid is securely taped to the can. In addition, the person may contact their local hospital to inquire if they would accept the home generated sharps.