New Jersey Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

All medical waste generators must register with the state (more info here )

A generator may not store RMW for longer than one year.

A generator must etain a copy of each tracking form for at least three years from the date the waste was accepted by the initial transporter unless the Department specifically requires an additional retention period.

Overview

New Jersey’s medical waste disposal regulations are managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. New Jersey has developed a comprehensive, cradle-to-grave, regulated medical waste management program. The New Jersey medical waste regulations require all medical waste generators, transporters, intermediate handlers and destination facilities to track RMW, no matter how small the amount generated. Each generator shipping RMW off-site is responsible for initiating the New Jersey RMW Tracking Form. The complete history of New Jersey’s comprehensive program and detailed disposal requirements are outlined in Guidance Document For Regulated Medical Waste

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. New Jersey is one of 24 states operating an approved occupational safety and health program. However, the New Jersey program only covers the workplace safety and health of public sector employees only. Private sector employees in New Jersey are covered by Federal OSHA. OSHA state and federal 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.