What are the rules and regulations governing the storage, containment, and disposal of biomedical waste?

Storage

• Sort and separate biomedical waste from other waste at the point where the waste is created.
• Keep it from direct contact with humans, animals, insects, and environmental elements, such as rain and wind. Limit access only to people who are trained and authorized to handle this waste.

Containment

This section describes the types of containers in which different types of medical waste should be held while in storage or under transport.

• Sharps must be contained in leak-proof, rigid, puncture-resistant, break-resistant containers which are labeled and tightly lidded during storage, handling, and transport.
• For biomedical waste, excluding sharps, dispose of the waste in leak-proof plastic bags strong enough to prevent ripping, tearing, breaking, or bursting under normal conditions of use. Rigid plastic, single-use, or approved multiple-use marked containers may also be used. Biomedical waste that is held in plastic bags should additionally be placed in another leak-proof container such as disposable or reusable pails, drums, or bins during storage or transport.
• Secure bags or containers to prevent leakage or expulsion during storage.
• The container holding the biomedical waste should be conspicuously labeled with the international biohazard symbol, and the words "Biomedical Waste" (or words that clearly denote biomedical waste).

Disposal

• Biomedical waste must not be compacted or placed into the regular garbage before it is decontaminated.
• Trash chutes must not be used to transfer biomedical waste.
• Biomedical waste, except sharps, must be treated or delivered to a biomedical waste storage/treatment operator within fourteen (14) days, unless otherwise approved by the health officer.
• Sharps waste must be disposed of or be transported to a storage treatment facility within ninety (90) days starting from the time the sharps container is sealed.

How do I decontaminate reusable containers used for storage or transport of biomedical waste?

Use the following method each time they are emptied:

• Remove visible solid residue.
• Chemical disinfectants should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Select chemical disinfectants that are rated as having tuberculoid and viricidal (polio type 1 or 2, rotavirus) killing capacities or use disinfectant concentrations and contact times approved in writing by the health officer.

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