Washington Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

Local governments primarily regulate medical waste. As a general rule, biomedical waste generators must segregate the waste and treat it before disposal

Overview

Washington’s medical waste disposal regulations are outlined by the Washington Department of Ecology, but local governments primarily regulate medical waste. The Department of Ecology outlines medical waste at a state level in Chapter 70.95K RCW Biomedical Waste  . Contact your local health department for local regulations in your area.

OSHA Regulations

In addition to the state medical waste environmental regulations there are some Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules that apply to medical/infectious waste. Washington is one of 21 states operating an approved occupational safety and health program. This program is operated by the Department of Labor and Industries. OSHA rules (Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standards) impact various aspects of medical/infectious waste, including management of sharps, requirements for containers that hold or store medical/infectious waste, labeling of medical/infectious waste bags/containers, and employee training.