Rhode Island Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

Healthcare facilities must register with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and obtain a regulated medical waste generator registration number.

Overview

Rhode Island’s medical waste disposal regulations are managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Office of Waste Management. The complete detailed disposal requirements are outlined in Medical Waste Regulations [Regulation DEM-OWM-MW-1-2009] (pdf)  .

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. Rhode Island 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.