9 Va. Admin. Code § 20-121-280

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 22, June 17, 2024

Section 9VAC20-121-280 - Disposal of treated regulated medical waste

A. Regulated medical waste that has been treated in accordance with this part is no longer a regulated medical waste. Treated regulated medical waste is a solid waste. Treated waste may be compacted in a closed container in a safe and sanitary manner.

B. Treated waste shall be disposed of at a permitted solid waste disposal facility in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Regulations (9VAC20-81) and the solid waste disposal facility's permit. Regulated medical waste not treated in accordance with this chapter remains a regulated medical waste and shall not be transported to, received for transport or disposal by, or disposed in any solid waste management facility.

C. Where non-bulk treatment is used, treated waste shall be placed in sealed bags or containers that allow for visible assessment of treatment, such as clear bags or bags marked with sterilization indicators. The bags shall not be red in color. Opaque bags and bags with special labels are permissible if agreed upon in writing by the solid waste management facility receiving the treated waste. Treatment cart liners that are resistant to treatment conditions (such as temperature) may be used to package treated waste. Where bulk treatment is used and the solid waste is immediately placed or compacted in closed bulk solid waste management containers that are more than 64 gallons in volume, the repackaging of the solid waste in bags is not required. Treated waste shall not be repackaged as regulated medical waste.

D. The regulated medical waste treatment facility shall have a written treated waste disposal plan that shall be provided to each permitted solid waste management facility that will transfer, store, or dispose of the treated waste. The plan shall specify and include the following:

1. A description of how the treated waste will be packaged and transported to each solid waste management facility, including the types and colors of bags or containers used, and any special labeling if applicable;

2. The type of regulated medical waste treated, treatment method, and name, address, and telephone number of the treatment facility;

3. The name, address, and telephone number of any transfer stations or other intermediate facilities or locations where the treated waste will be transferred or temporarily stored prior to transport to a permitted solid waste disposal facility;

4. The plan shall be updated and redistributed to receiving facilities when there are changes to the treatment process or facility operation that impact the plan.

5. The facility shall maintain records of distribution of the plan to all transfer, storage, or disposal facilities that manage the treated waste.

E. If treated residuals are determined to be hazardous, then the waste must be managed in accordance with the Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Regulations (9VAC20-60).

9 Va. Admin. Code § 20-121-280

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 13, eff. 3/15/2023.

Statutory Authority: § 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 257.