Pennsylvania Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

Infectious waste, excluding used sharps, may be stored at room temperature until the storage container is full, but for no longer than 30 days from the date waste was first placed in the container. If the infectious waste becomes putrescent during the storage period, the waste shall be moved offsite within 24 hours for processing or disposal.

A storage container filled with infectious waste may be stored in a refrigeration unit for up to 30 days from the date waste was first placed in the container.

A storage container of infectious waste that has been filled within 30 days from the date waste was first placed in the container may be frozen immediately for up to 90 days from the date waste was first placed in the container.

Overview

Pennsylvania’s medical waste disposal regulations are managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The complete detailed disposal requirements are outlined in CHAPTER 284. INFECTIOUS AND CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC WASTE .

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. Pennsylvania 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.