Virginia Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

Unless a generator is exempt from recordkeeping requirements, generators and RMW management facilities shall maintain accurate records for three years

Overview

Virginia Biohazard Waste Regulations and medical waste disposal regulations are managed by the Viriginia Department of Environmental Quality. The complete detailed disposal requirements are outlined in Chapter 120: Regulated Waste Management Regulations.

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. Virginia is one of 24 states operating an approved occupational safety and health program. This program is operated by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. 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.