Nebraska Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

None Listed

Overview

The management of medical waste, which is not infectious, is not specifically addressed in Nebraska Title 132 Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations. Most medical or veterinary wastes may be disposed at a permitted municipal solid waste disposal area as long as they have not been contaminated with something that is considered infectious. These wastes may include dressings, laboratory wastes, animal bedding, waste or carcasses.

Infectious medical waste is specifically restricted by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. It is the responsibility of the generator of the waste to determine if it is infectious and to handle it properly. The complete detailed disposal requirements are outlined in Title 132: Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations- Chapter 13: Special 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. Nebraska 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.