Missouri Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

None Listed

Overview

Missouri’s medical waste disposal regulations are managed by the Missouri Department of Health and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Missouri Department of Health is responsible for regulating the on-site management of infectious waste by Missouri hospitals defining wastes which are considered infectious when produced by small quantity generators. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is responsible for regulating all other aspects of infectious waste management, including permit requirements, transportation, packaging, etc. The complete detailed disposal requirements are outlined in Chapter 260 Environmental Control Section 260.203  .

OSHA Regulations

In addition to the state medical waste environmental regulations there are some Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules that apply to medical/infectious waste. Missouri is one of 26 states covered entirely by the federal OSHA program. 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.