Ohio Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

Healthcare facilities are divided into two categories, depending on the quantity of infectious waste that they generate:

Small quantity generators (SQG) generate less than 50 lbs of infectious waste per month

Large quantity generators (LQG) generate more than 50 lbs of infectious waste per month. LQG are required to submit a registration application with the Ohio EPA.

Overview

The Ohio EPA’s Infectious Waste Program regulates the generation, treatment, packaging, storage, transportation, and disposal of infectious waste in the state. Small quantity generators and large quantity generators have different disposal requirements. The complete detailed disposal requirements are outlined in Ohio Revised Code Chapter (ORC) 3734 and 3745-27-30 Standards for generators of infectious wastes .

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. Ohio 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.