Arizona Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

Keep putrescible biohazardous medical waste unrefrigerated if it does not create a nuisance. However, refrigerate at 40 F or less putrescible biohazardous medical waste kept more than seven days.

Biohazardous medical waste can not be stored for more than 90 days unless the generator has obtained facility plan approval under A.R.S. and is in compliance with the design and operational requirements.

Medical Waste Overview

Arizona’s medical waste disposal regulations are managed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The complete detailed disposal requirements are found in Medical Waste Program Regulations, Article 14

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. Arizona is one of 24 states operating an approved occupational safety and health program. This program is operated by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health . 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.